Group keeps community interest alive through art

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GLADSTONE - The Gladstone Art Club is less like a club and more like a gathering of friends and fellow artists.

"It's a gathering of artists doing their artistic work, and friendships develop by coming together," said club member Phyllis Woodard, Escanaba.

Club member Sylvia Troutman said the meetings are like "cheap therapy."

"We get to talk and visit and spend time at our interests and not worry about other things," she said.

Members said the club has had art instructors in the past, but for now they get to explore things on their own. Many say that's what they like about it.

"Everybody gets to do what they want," said Woodard. "It's sharing time together, but in an individualistic way."

Everyone gets to work in their media of choice, whether it be oil, pastels, watercolors or something else, added Mary Lou Messier, Escanaba.

And while the art club may include some very talented artists, there are no egos or competition; only friendship and assistance.

"Everybody helps each other out," said Dorothy McKnight, Gladstone.

McKnight, who recently began attending the meetings, said she had received some helpful tips from fellow club member and artist Martha Hooper.

"It was my second time here and I was trying to draw something, and I said, 'Everything looks flat,'" said Dorothy. "Martha picked up the pencil and said, 'Try this.' It was really neat. Everybody gives tips and pointers."

Many take part in the social aspect of the club, talking and sharing stories as they work. McKnight and Hooper shared comical, childhood art class stories amidst the relaxed atmosphere.

"I remember my art teacher told us to draw a person, so I started drawing it at the bottom of the sheet of paper," began Hooper. "By the time I got to the top, I was only at the shoulders so I had to draw the head next to the body."

McKnight said she had a very clear memory of a picture she'd drawn of people whose bodies unintentionally went sideways.

Harold Berg, Brampton, a well-known member of the group, said he remembers when he first tried painting. He had been stationed in Germany during World War II. While sitting in the army barracks, he looked down on the city. He was so taken by the scene he decided to try to paint it. He's continued the pastime ever since.

Many of the artworks club members work on throughout the year are shown at local galleries, which also gives them a chance to get involved in the community. They recently exhibited at the Bonifas Fine Arts Center. They have shown there in the past, but this time they designed the exhibit themselves. Visual Arts Director Pasqua Warstler provided a tutorial to several members on how to go about creating the space.

"This group worked so well together," she said. "The Gladstone seniors were just a model committee working together."

Warstler added the club is beneficial to the entire art community.

"It's keeping the arts alive," said Pasqua of the club. "It's addressing everyone's levels and it doesn't matter the level of expertise. It's our community's interests they're keeping alive."