Art classes expose creative side in seniors

Never mind water, blood is thicker than paint, it turns out. The three Nickerson sisters can vouch for that. They take art classes together at the Hammond Street Senior Center in Bangor.

“It’s our way of getting together because we all live in different towns,” said Kathleen Nickerson Roth, 77, who has always been artistic.

“But, really, the whole family loves art. Even my husband paints,” added younger sister Lucille Anthony, 69. “We all started these classes about the same time, three and a half years ago. And our sister Nancy takes the classes with us, but she’s having a garage sale today, so she’s not here. But she won second place in the [HSSC] art show and Norma here [Frazee, 75, another sister in attendance] won first place for her painting of a canoe in the water.”

Kathleen’s painting of rough seas with large swells crashing on the rocks won praise from her sisters as they pointed out each other’s work.

The sisters and others in the art classes are bustling because their paintings will be on display at the Bangor Public Library’s Lecture Hall gallery through the month of September. It is a show not to be missed if the works currently decorating the art studio walls are any indication of what will be on hand at the exhibit.

“It’s wonderful to have the exposure,” said Kathleen of the showing at the library.

“It’s nice to have people see your work and to appreciate it,” added Lucille.

Ellen Beattie, 71, the art instructor at HSSC, assists each student, answering questions and suggesting techniques for turning simple brush strokes into art.

She has parlayed her University of Maine art education into a job that brings out seniors’ inner creative selves. She teaches seven art classes of varying types and has quite a following.

“I’ve been doing this for five and a half years, and for me, the best part is seeing the expression on [students’] faces when they know they did a good job and are happy with their work. Everyone who takes the class can create something of beauty even if they think they have no talent. They all have vision.”

Beattie also sees a change in her students over time.

“They often come in a little fearful, not knowing what to expect,” said Beattie. “Then, they start talking to other people, and their confidence goes up when they see what they are capable of.”

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” said Trena Sumner, 62, carefully starting to sketch her subject. “This is my first art class. I really love paintings but I can’t afford them, so I decided to paint my own.”

For beginner Liz Donald, 64, it’s all about the colors, which she loves to mix and turn into new hues. While she has always put her color creations on walls, she now wants to commit them to canvas. “I hope to have fun and be a little more creative,” she said.

“That’s the most important thing,” agreed Sumner, as the two newcomers bonded over their paint trays.

And Beattie would like to share that vision with professional artists.

“I would love to have local artists come be guest speakers in the class or do demonstrations,” she said. “That would be wonderful.”

If you’d like more information about the art show or HSSC, call 262-5532. The art classes are always in need of frames, so if you have some – regardless of condition – that are just taking up space in the attic or garage, give HSSC a call.

“I am continually amazed at the work these students turn out,” said Beattie, her voice full of pride for her classes. “I am elated by it.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at EAA. For information, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or e-mail us at info@eaaa.org.