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Photograph by Ryan Olein
True Colors: Wayne Champion admires a piece of artwork that will be displayed at the Willows art exhibit.
Annual fine art exhibit showcases senior works
One-day event at the Willows Senior Center features 60 pieces in various styles
By Dianna Woods
Rae Johnson, who leads art lessons at the Willows Senior Center every other week, says she thought of the name "The Old Masters" for the center's art club. The center on Dec. 2 will display the work of about 40 members from the Old Masters Club and the rubber-stamp, watercolor and calligraphy clubs.
Viewers are sure to see a variety of works inspired by the artists' personal history, portraits of family members and tests of personal creativity. Some work is done from pictures; others are sketches from trips taken to local parks.
Johnson discusses details of the art groups and their members, the methods they use and finally previews the art.
Johnson shows several watercolor pieces. She describes an experimental piece in which she placed wrinkled plastic over wet paint, then used the abstract shapes the plastic created to form an image. The result resembled a small, peaceful portion of the ocean.
Some art is even made from recycled material. Al Chun shows some rubber-stamp art done on a piece of Chinese paper he found in the garbage. Chun says there are many different methods for rubber-stamping; there's a lot more to it than just stamping and painting.
Many of Dr. Wayne Champion's pieces deal with everyday issues. "Rae gives us assignments every two weeks," he says. "But sometimes I go off on tangents." One piece illustrates Dr. Champion's apprehension about computers and technology through anonymous bodies that have machinery for faces. Another work portrays a favorite house from his neighborhood that was torn down.
The 60 pieces of work at the one-day exhibit are created by artists who range from newbies to masters of the canvas. Although many members of the senior center's art clubs have art experience, most are taking the opportunity to explore their creative abilities, to socialize with fellow artists and to just have fun. Dr. Champion says, "You have to wait 50 years before you get to do what you want to do." Here is the place to do it.
The Willows Annual Fine Art Exhibit takes place Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 2175 Lincoln Ave. For more information, call 408.448.6400.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
