Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. The philosophy behind the Santa Maria Public Library’s adult coloring program says that coloring provides a creative and artistic outlet for adults, which helps to relieve stress.
The program takes place in the Shepard Hall, where community members are invited to sit down, relax, and color for an hour and a half. The library provides a wide range of pictures to color, like postcards and color-by-number images, along with colored pencils, markers, and gel pens to use.
“Our patrons really seem to enjoy it. We have lots of regulars, but newcomers are always welcomed,” said librarian Joyce Fischer. “I really took the cue from the Lompoc Library. After seeing how well received their coloring program is, I decided to borrow the concept.”
Fischer said she tried out coloring at home first before fully committing.
“I remember my husband walked in on me coloring something with a set of gel pens at the kitchen table, and he was so confused as to what I was doing.” Fischer said. “But it really did work for me, as I’m sure it does for so many of our patrons. The process can be so rewarding. When you focus your mind on the coloring, you’re able to unwind and just relax.”
The Santa Maria Public Library began offering the program last year and recently modified it to include longer sessions, meeting twice a month rather than once, and meeting during the day rather than the evening. The changes were based on suggestions from patrons collected in surveys at previous coloring sessions.
“I’m so glad it’s offered afternoons now, my muse goes to bed early so evenings were tricky,” said Carol-Lee Cahill, an attendee who suggested the time change, and explained that “my muse wakes me up as early as 4 a.m. every morning, so the earlier the better!”
The library wanted to ensure the program’s success, Fischer explained, so changing the program made sense if it made the regulars happy. The Jan. 10 coloring event saw good attendance, but there was definitely room for more people.
Another happy regular there was Penny Robertson, who filled in different shades on a postcard depicting an elephant.
“I was one of the regulars to suggest the longer duration, one hour of coloring isn’t enough,” Robertson said. “This is for my niece, she loves elephants.”
Who doesn’t love elephants?
There are several other animal post cards to choose from among many patterns, like abstract designs. There is also an introduction form at the front table that reads, “the images are inspired by nature, art, music, and meditation, as well as patterns and optical tricks. All are designed to engage you, concentrate your mind, and make you aware of the rich diversity of the world around you.”
Intern Caleb Wiseblood still colors. He can be reached at intern@santamariasun.com.
Correction: The original version of this article misidentified Penny Robertson in the second photograph.
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2017.