Older adults discover their artistic talents
Stephen Robinson believes it’s never too late to learn a new hobby. Helping fellow residents of Hammond’s Silver Birch retirement community develop a new talent also has helped the native of Australia rediscover his love of art.
The melding of these two endeavors has resulted in Silver Beginnings, a recent art show at the Hammond Public Library.
“I mentioned to the residents that the art display would be presented to the public, and they could be a part of that,” Robinson said. “I wanted to get them out of their rooms to try something different. You may be old or disabled, but you can still learn a new skill.”
That they did. Twelve residents began art classes offered by Robinson to learn the basics of oil painting. Silver Birch provided the supplies, and the motivation and inspiration began to flow.
“When you think about this age group, and the fact that some of them have never painted before, it’s terrific what they’ve achieved,” Robinson said. “We have a lot of talent here.”
It only took six months to compile the 42 pieces of art exhibited on long tables in the library’s Community Room.
Visitors who viewed the colorful artwork were impressed.
Attendees Diana Morris and Deborah Newbalm were familiar with what they saw at the show.
“I love this project,” Morris said. “This is one of the best things to do for any senior group. It gives them an opportunity to express themselves.”
Those months of art classes were challenging for many of the new artists, but also a labor of love.
“I can’t change the past (regarding my health), but I’m looking at what’s ahead of me,” said resident Angie Anguiano-Padilla. “Painting makes you lose time, relieves stress and helps to forget about your health issues.”
Robinson also developed a catalog of the recent collection items. His hope is that this would inspire other Silver Birch residents to choose art as their new hobby.
As president of the Silver Birch Residents Council, he also wants to continue with a yearly event.
“We plan to offer this art show to the public again next year,” he said. “Maybe we will have outgrown the Community Room and will be displayed throughout the whole library.”
In addition to Robinson and Anguiano-Padilla, other Silver Birch residents exhibiting artwork were Linda Tinsley, Annie Willey, Danny Rose, Barbara Williams, Lauren Tyner-Ford, Margaret Pena, Ray Dheal, Tom Nelson, Margaret Peel and Gwen Cooper.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.