In 1961 when the first coloring book for
adults was published, it wasn’t meant to be colored in, instead it was a social
commentary on life; a very bleak commentary. It was called “The Executive
Coloring Book” and primarily showed men getting ready for work. The captions
were depressing and showed a very gray look at the business world.
Today adult coloring has become
synonymous with relaxation and destressing. Gone are the political commentaries
through coloring pages. Today’s adult coloring books feature intricate drawings
of animals, palatial settings or geometric designs. The trend resurfaced in
2012, but has only recently caught on in Maine.
Some call it a “Peter Pan” syndrome,
where adults are looking to recapture some of the happy times of their youth. Others
are using the pictures as a form of art therapy.
At Windham Public Library, librarian
Sally Bannen has been coordinating adult coloring time for almost a year. Bring
a coloring book and supplies or use the ones provided by the library to make a
masterpiece. The sessions started on Saturday mornings, but have moved to the
first Wednesday nights of the month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. upstairs by the large
print books.
This past Wednesday, Bannen shared her
love of art while soft relaxing music played in the background.
“Coloring is so popular now. We
encourage people to come in to hang out with one another,” she said. It’s not
just about coloring a pretty picture.
Coloring at the Windham Public Library
started last March when library patron Donna Strand suggested having a coloring
group. She had been coloring on her own for a while before suggesting the
library start a group.
Despite the desire for directions, Bannen
encouraged people to work on their own art and color what they want to, which
might not be the whole design. “There are no rules. We like to sit, gab and
color because it is relaxing. Relax and let your mind go,” she said. Adult
coloring is coloring without worrying about consequences.
There are also phone apps for coloring,
which can be fun for kids and adults. There was one the group tried Wednesday at
the coloring session called Mandala Coloring app. Visit an app store for more
options.
If coloring is not a passion, the
Windham Public Library hosts other Wednesday night events. For more
information, visit www.windham.lib.me.us.
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