Eight talented local artists were honored April 16 at a festive reception at the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross to mark the opening of a public exhibition of their works. Not only has the exhibit attracted a great deal of attention but it has also generated numerous inquiries from people interested in purchasing the art. But what's really remarkable is that all of the artists are first-time and all are residents of the Ladrey and Annie B. Rose senior housing facilities. What began as an art class for seniors has blossomed into a project that has succeeded beyond the wildest imaginings of everyone concerned. Liz Mirc, who was then on the staff of Ladrey, began teaching classes last summer for residents interested in art. She was soon joined by Barbara Robinson, a local artist and registered nurse, who became involved through the Friendly Visitor Program of the Alexandria Red Cross. Funding for the class was provided by the Alexandria Red Cross, the Alexandria United Way and the Rotary Club of Alexandria. Within a short time, subjects from llamas to lighthouses began to appear on canvas.
MARGO TOLLIVER was the first to express interest in learning to paint. "I was bored," she said. "I had pictures running around in my brain, but didn't know how to put them down on paper." She resolved to learn how to draw and eventually progressed from chalk to acrylic and oil painting. Her pieces in the show include a striking portrait of a dark-haired woman. Mary Salerno had never painted or drawn in her life, although her grandmother and great-grandmother had both been artists. She credits her teachers for giving her the basics to get started and for encouraging and pushing her.
"I can't believe how much I've learned in a short period of time, she says. "It's so satisfying when something works." In addition to enjoying the creative benefits, several of the artists have found a therapeutic aspect to their work. Those who suffer from health problems seem to be able to put them aside while concentrating on a project. Margaret Veitch said, "When I paint, I forget about everything else. It's like being in another world." Margo Tolliver agreed: "Although I am often in severe pain, concentrating on something else helps to fight it off. It carries you away."
ONCE THE ARTISTS began to accumulate a number of pieces, the Red Cross was determined to find a venue in which to display them. An opportunity presented itself when CeKA Technologies Inc., at 908 King St., offered its huge storefront window. Vicki Rogerson, business manager of CeKA, has been so impressed with the artwork and by how many people stop in to talk about it that she and her husband have offered to frame the pieces at no charge. Barbara Robinson, congratulating her students on their first exhibition, lauded the outstanding work and determination demonstrated by their students. She would often bring one of her own works in progress to class to demonstrate a particular technique, but she always encouraged each student to develop his own style. Artist Myrtle Irvins found that the supportive atmosphere of the group class was very conducive to the artistic process.
"It's such a peaceful feeling," she said. "It's quiet, but you're not alone."
The Senior Artists exhibition will be on display until May 15 at 908 King St. Individuals or groups interested in helping to fund the senior art program may contact the Friendly Visitor Program of the Alexandria Red Cross at 703-549-8300.