Women in the Arts at Oak Park
By Maria Guerrero
As we continue to celebrate women’s artistic talent and work during the month of April, it is an honor to share with you Arnene’s testimonial, a work of love, perseverance and generosity in the Arts.
This is the inspiring story of Arnene, a retired nurse who is transforming her assisted living community by teaching Art. Dorothy Owens, Arnene’s daughter-in-law facilitated this project. Dorothy is an Honorary Member of Women in the Arts Inc.
“If ever I witnessed the healing properties of ART, it was through Arnene. She has been like a flower blooming these last several months. Sharing her passion with the other residents at Oak Park is breathing new life into the whole bunch. I remain inspired by them.”
Arnene’s son, Buster Owens writes:
“I am so proud of my mom. I have seen with my own eyes the healing power and the joy that giving to others brings to a person. Teaching these art classes to the residents of Oak Park has not only benefited the residents it has had helped to dramatically improve not only her health but also her quality of life.”
So you think you’re too old to learn to paint
by Arnene Owens age 77
What started out as just something fun to do on weekends when our activities director is off, now it has become serious art.
I live in Emeritus at Oak Park – an assisted living community and I love it. My cocker spaniel and I have lived here two years now so I really had an idea of different residents’ personality, interests, their family etc.
So we started simple with watercolor pencils and a flower I drew for them. They had the picture of their flower to guide them with colors.
My 1st class consisted of:
Connie age 73
Felicia age 83
Marjorie age 92
June age 92
Donna age 69
Betty age 92
They all loved it and soon progressed to professional watercolors in tubes. Soon they progressed to much more difficult work. Some wanted to keep on with watercolors and some wanted to begin painting with oils. Our class is Saturdays 2pm – 4:30pm.
Meanwhile I have started a drawing class teaching drawing from the right side of the brain. This class only started a few weeks ago and has six students. I had a guest speaker who is on the faculty at the University of South Florida who explained the concept of right and left brain activities very clearly. This is on Sundays 2pm – 4:30pm. On Thursdays I am teaching a beginners and one Alzheimer’s resident from 3pm – 4:30pm.
Everyone in the new class is excited and hopes to progress as rapidly as the 1st class. We had a show here at Emeritus a few weeks ago to rave reviews. Plans are now under way for us to show our works at the Sunday Clermont Farmers Market every other week for twelve weeks or total of six shows. I am also hoping to mount an exhibit this summer at the library.
This is volunteer work for me and as I not only teach, but provide all the supplies. It has improved my life and my health and I have made many good friends from this effort. If you would like to learn more about how to get started, please contact Arnene Owens in apartment #223 to explain the program to you and just how easy it is.
