Art show offers bright activity on a dreary afternoon
Sue Dickens
Published on
May 09, 2008
Even though it was a rainy day the Friends over 55 art show and sale carried on offering a bright spot on what would otherwise have been a dreary afternoon in Port Colborne at the seniors' recreational centre on Fielden Avenue.
Threasa Watchorn, co-ordinator on staff at the centre, was instrumental in organizing the show that attracted close to 15 artists, some local and others from as far away as Sherkston.
"Some of the artists showing their work here today are members of the centre," said Watchorn.
"The show is a good opportunity for younger artists to talk to older ones and share ideas," she added.
Oils, watercolours, pottery, painted glassware and more were on display for the afternoon.
"This centre is a very busy place," said Watchorn. The Friends over 55 group originated in the 1960s and has been going strong ever since.
"The art show is one way of bringing money into the centre," she explained.
The facility provides a place for seniors to go during the week where they can get involved in activities such as bocce, darts, bingo, euchre and more.
A special tea room was set up the day of the show.
May Swenor, a club member, dropped in to view some of the artwork. "I am actually looking for paintings for my bedroom," she said. "This seemed like a good opportunity to help support local artists."
Artist Marilyn Carter, who has lived in Port Colborne all her life, brought nine pieces of her art collection to the art show and sale.
"This is only my second year painting," she said. Carter took lessons form well-known artist John North who came to the Friends over 55 centre to teach. Carter enjoyed it so much she has continued to paint.
"At first it was a real challenge but I love doing this. It's a hobby for me," she said.
Carter enjoys going to the recreation centre on a regular basis because there is always so much to do.
"There is always a lot going on here," she said.
Jackie Hopkins of Sherkston is another artist whose work was displayed at the art show and sale.
She brought several pieces of pottery and painted glass that she had created.
"I have only been doing pottery for about four years now," she said.
"What I enjoy most about these art shows is meeting and talking to people," she added.
Jameson Schaefer, a Port Colborne artist, had very large oil paintings on display.
"My paintings are done on a masonite canvas," he said.
He refers to his work as outsider art and said, "The show is good because everything here is so different. You see stuff you don't normally get to see."