Senior citizens show their talents

Maria Flora, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·2 min read

May 21—Dorothea Mickschl earned the best of show ribbon in the 10th annual Boone County Senior Services Inc. annual art and photography show.

Mickschl entered a painting titled "My Purple Iris in Cut Glass." It competed with 26 entries by other senior citizens.

Their works are on view in the second floor of the Lebanon Public Library, 104 E. Washington St., through May 30.

"We are thrilled to have 27 entries," Anita Bowen, senior services executive director, said. "Every one of them is amazing."

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed entries, but this year's showing was close to pre-COVID levels.

Just entering is winning for some artists. Bowen said one woman was always afraid to let her art hang in a show. And just being brave enough to let it be seen in public is her reward.

Entrants are categorized by advanced or amateur status for judging. The Sugar Creek Art Center provides three judges. This year's entries break down into 10 photos, nine advanced paintings, and eight amateur paintings.

"We're proud of every single one of them," Bowen said.

Painting lessons

Michschl recently moved from rural Thorntown to rural Lebanon and offers lessons at the Thorntown Public Library for advanced and beginning painters.

A former Carmel daycare manager, Mickschl began to paint with watercolors when she retired eight years ago. She had previously painted in another medium.

Lessons begin at 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. All materials are supplied, and the cost is $30 per session.

There is no long-term commitment. Painters come and go as they please.

"We have a lot of fun," Mickschl said.

Reservations are not required, but she encourages newbies to call 317-800-8727 ahead of time and leave a message.

Then she will simplify that week's lesson for a beginner, "so it's not so overwhelming," Mickschl said.

Art show

There is no cost to enter the senior services art contest, and artists ages 60 and older may offer their works for sale during the month-long show.

The senior center also offers art lessons in Lebanon and Zionsville. Call Barb Carrell at 765-482-5220 or 317-873-8939, or email bcssi@booneseniors.org for more information.

To learn more about Boone County Senior Services, Inc., visit the website at www.booneseniors.org.

This year's art show winners are:

Amateur Painting

First, Jill Bowers; second, Cathy VanArsdall; third, Lisa Foster; and honorable mention, Cathy Davis, all of Lebanon.

Advanced Painting

First, Annette Knox of Jamestown; second, Beth Hullinger of Lebanon; third, Shirley Luttrell of Zionsville; and honorable mention, Janet Cohen of Zionsville.

Photography

First, Mary Deater of Lebanon; second, Rex Bowman of Lebanon; third, Mervyn Cohen of Zionsville; and honorable mention, Penny Dunbar of Lebanon.