Local artist teaches others to ‘play’ with art

Most children outgrow coloring on walls once their parents get tired of cleaning it off. But Nancy Coe never outgrew her love of painting. She’s been fortunate that she has been able to make a career out of her hobby, and she’s done quite well.

Nancy has spent many years teaching others to do what comes natural to her. The Artist Hideaway was her first art school in Texarkana. Over 15 years she taught as many as 60 students at one time.

“I just wanted this to be a hobby, not a job, but God was a way to tricking us,” Coe said, smiling.

“I love art and showing my knowledge. I don’t do it for the money, I just love to teach.”

After the passing of her first husband, Michael Martin, she turned his shop into a studio she named “Backyard Pallett”. It was there she nursed her grief and continued advancing her art skills.

Coe knew heartbreak once again when her sister, Susan, passed away. “I took care of her, and decided that when she died, I would move back to Atlanta, where I was born.”

It was here that Nancy helped found the group “903 Artisans” that meets monthly and presents their artwork at occasional Art Walks in downtown Atlanta. She continues to teach others, and soon will be able to do more of that when she opens her new studio at the end of this month.

Art Play: A Learning Studio will be located on South Louise Street, across from Hopkins Memorial. The front of the building is lined with windows that let in full natural lighting, and the main room is big enough to hold 10-20 students at one time.

“We will be open Monday – Thursday and have adult and children’s classes,” said Nancy. “Adults should bring their own materials, but I will supply them for the children.”

Each Thursday will be earmarked as a day to experiment with different mediums and art forms. “It’s a good way to learn something new,” she said.

Nancy continues to enter Regional art shows and has boxes of ribbons and awards. She is a member of Women for the Arts, TRAHC, the Four States Regional Art Club, and helps with Painting for Picasso’s each year in Texarkana.

Of all the art she has produced, Martin is most proud of a painting she finished last year she did called “Boots on the Ground” in honor of her nephews best friend and battle buddy. Jason Dunham of Scio, NY, (November 10, 1981 – April 22, 2004) was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines during the Iraq War.

“One night I dreamed this painting. I woke up at 2 a.m. and went straight to my studio out back and worked until it was finished,” Nancy recalls. “Later I had an opportunity to travel to New York to meet Jason’s parents and show them the painting. It was a very humbling experience.” She took her nephew, TTPD canine officer Bo Carter, along with her on the trip.

While Nancy enjoys sharing her love of art, she remains grateful for the opportunity to do so. After surviving breast cancer she met carpenter Eddie Coe when a mutual friend suggested using him to renovate her kitchen.

“I hired him to do my kitchen and we became best friends,” she said. “When I got the news that my cancer was back he was right there, in the middle of my kitchen.”

Nancy and Eddie have since married and share that kitchen, as well as the rest of the house. He supports her endeavors and they can often be seen together, smiling happily and holding hands. Her newfound happiness is reflected in her artwork.

“I’m really excited to have a place for local artists to come teach, and learn,” said Nancy. “It’s a wonderful feeling to see the joy on someone’s face when they discover their own talent.”