NEDERLAND — The Carousel of Happiness is more than its name. Though it is certainly a source of joy, it is also a dedication to service, a place for remembrance and reflection, and an artistic expression of the unity and magic that can be born from our hardest moments.

It is because of this, and for the rich history that lives in its bones, that the carousel makes the perfect place to create. 

On Friday, August 14, Carousel of Happiness hosted their very first Paint & Spin event—an evening for artists of all ages to spend some time with their favorite animals, find their muse, and even take a few spins on the carousel in order to get into the creative spirit. 

It was all smiles during the Carousel of Happiness' Paint & Sip event — an evening for artists to get inspired and create.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Local artist CB Miller, whose work has been on display at Nederland’s Arts at the Center, as well as in official carousel literature—including carousel creator Scott Harrison’s own Carousel Soul: Inside the Carousel of Happiness—not only facilitated guests through their artistic processes, but helped to curate the perfect mood.  

“I just love being able to share this space and create,” Miller explained, “because whenever I’m working here I just want to draw all day. It’s so inspiring.” 

In addition to helping artists pick their paints and gently providing pointers on technique, Miller gave guests a journey through some of the carousel’s history, detailing the rich narrative that resides within every piece of the creaking structure, and within all the intentional artistic flourishes and nuances. 

An artist finds her muse.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

The knowledge of how the historic shell of the carousel has survived fires—and even a rollercoaster falling on top of it—and how the building that currently holds it in Nederland has survived its own fair share of disasters, gave artists a backstory for their chosen subject, whether it's the gentle and reliable Cow, or the fast and wily Fox, the wise-looking Dragon Boat, or the calm and dutiful Gorilla. 

Artists either set up their canvases on easels right in front of their subjects, or took their canvases with them around the carousel to quickly sketch their muses before sitting back down to incorporate their colors.

If looking for the perfect subject, you can't deny the regal power of this king of the carousel.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Families painted together, set up side by side and complementing one another in their styles. Other painters were more solitary in their art, and picked a spot somewhere alone where they could find inspiration. 

Regardless of their methods, every participant felt connected with the carousel, and truly became emboldened and excited to express that connection on canvas. 

Thanks to the organizers at Carousel of Happiness, and to the talented CB Miller for sharing the uniqueness of the carousel with the community in a way that emphasizes the importance of being inspired to express oneself artistically.