Page 57 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2015

Amber and Sharon Peterson, co-owners and founders of Gulf Coast School of Art.
because I spend ample time on instruction so each child can develop as an artist in his or her individual way,” Amber said.
She teaches graphic pencil, oil pastels, chalk pastels, charcoals and acrylics. Her students go through the steps of imagination building before learning techniques and putting pencil to paper. They leave class each week with homework, and hold shows throughout the year for the parents to see the children’s progression.
“Everything we do is creative, and we have to think
about things,” said Maggie DeFrances, 15, a sophomore at Gulfport High School. She has been with the program for two years and while she is interested in marine science as a career, she knows she will always create art.
The GCSA works closely with area school districts and provides a community outreach for the students. The Petersons also support a student ministry called POP, which is Peace, Optimism and Pray.
Last winter, the Petersons were told they had to vacate the original site for the school. Sharon handled the devastating news by praying. During the night, she heard God tell her, “hold fast what is yours.” Sharon didn’t interpret what that
Amber Peterson (right) shows a student how to make her art a masterpiece.
meant until a few days later when a parent gave her the insight.
“She (the parent) said it means our school is a unique program and is our foundation. We can take our foundation and Jesus anywhere,” Sharon said.
“The building is just a shell,” Amber added.
In June, the Gulf Coast School of Art moved into a building on Courthouse Road. While the school takes
up one large room, the main reception area is made up
of Renee’s Coffee Bar and Fine Desserts and Blessings Christian Book Store and Gifts, two other businesses the Petersons operate. The proceeds from Blessings go into a foundation to pay for scholarships for students to attend the art school. Also as a result of the move, the school got an upgrade of equipment with art tables, 10 easels and projection equipment, which aids artists who are visual learners.
Gulf Coast School of Art
302 Courthouse Road, Suite B, Gulfport 228.216.7858 www.gulfcoastschoolofart.com
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October 2015 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 57