City Hall to feature seniors art in celebration of national Senior's Week

The City of Airdrie is hosting an art show at City hall in celebration of national Seniors Week, June 4 to 10.

Together we Beautify will feature the work of art teachers Char Vanderhorst and Gwen Lemay along with their students, seniors from Cedarwood Station, Airdrie Health Centre’s Adult Day Care program and the Bethany Care Centre.

“I would love for the community to come out and support the seniors for seniors week,” said Vanderhorst, who has lived in Airdrie since 1999 and has been teaching for years.

A large mosaic featuring about 25 paintings will be on display in City Hall’s foyer from June 4 to 24. The public is invited to a special opening, June 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Free coffee and cake will be served.

Motivated by her love of painting and a desire to pass on her knowledge, Vanderhorst, who paints acrylics and watercolours, has enjoyed working with her students in preparation for the show.

“The seniors are very fun,” said Vanderhorst, a member of Arts Airdrie, the Calgary Sketch Club and the Airdrie Artist’s Guild. “They are very ready to try new things.”

Lemay, who paints oils and watercolours on a variety of subjects, such as landscapes and grain elevators, has been a longtime volunteer in Airdrie. She said teaching the seniors at Airdrie’s Urgent Health Care Centre has been rewarding, especially when beginners surprise themselves with what they can do.

“Some of them say, ‘I can’t paint’ and when they paint a picture they are really surprised,” said Lemay. “It is a fun time. It is fun for them and it is fun for me to see what they can do.”

Lemay, a member of several art groups and the current treasurer of Airdrie Regional Arts Society, invites everyone to come out and see the art installation. “Anyone should come out and see, no matter what age,” she said.

Lemay added the City’s decision to put the art on display is nice.

Vanderhorst agreed saying it is important that art is shared so the whole community can enjoy it.

“Everyone can come and celebrate with the seniors. They are very excited because their art is going on display,” said Vanderhorst.