Patrons enjoyed a fun evening of painting last Thursday as they unleashed their inner artist at the Dakota Star Ranch, owned and operated by Brian and Shannon Dobbs. Guest artist Dennis Short taught the step-by-step painting class as Art Night at the Ranch came to life on each canvas.

Appetizers were served and supplies were provided for the class who walked away with their own masterpieces and a new found appreciation of the arts.

Art instructor Short, who is a native Oklahoman, loves working in acrylics and dabbles in photography, among other mediums. He is primarily a self-made artist and is known for his tiny, detailed landscapes. Some of his favorite subjects to paint are landscapes, particularly old barns and Native American art.

Short is currently the vice president of the Checotah Art Guild and works diligently to promote the Heartland Heritage Museum and Gallery. His art work can be seen at the gallery and inside Checotah Walmart where he also created a steer wrestling painting along with other local artists’ creations to represent everything Checotah stands for.

“I enjoy helping others see their own potential as artists and hopefully they will want to continue their journey and join the Checotah Art Guild. Membership is up to 25 local artists who get together for Open Art on Tuesdays and Thursdays around 1 p.m. and work on their own creations. Cost is only $25 per year which includes member discounts, promoting of members through Artist of the Month in our local newspaper, and exposure to the public.”

Short also creates wooden frames for his art and sells them to the public. He can be followed on social media at Dennis Short Art.