By Janet Bierwirth Lewis  

I started painting in high school. Upon graduation I was “the Class Artist,” then I got married, had children and for 10 years, I did the newspaper advertising for David Harris Co. (a division of Sugermans).

During this time I completed my education, finishing with an MBA. Then I started working as an IT manager for the state, and also taught adjunct business classes for Wilkes and Lackawanna Colleges.

When I retired from PENNDOT, I joined several painting groups. Because I was still teaching part time, I didn’t paint as much as I wanted. A friend asked me to join the Dunmore Senior Center painting class, another friend asked me to join Pocono Painters…..and still another friend asked me to join the Abington Senior Center. These were the best decisions I made.

I started painting at Chestnut Street,, then at the new Dunmore Senior Center since their opening. The Dunmore center has easy parking (we all love no parking problems), heating and cooling is fine, storage for the art projects is available. Plus the most important item—we have many talented people willing to help/advise, plus we have the best oil teacher in Pennsylvania ( …she is dedicated, works hard, and does her best to teach us).

This is not just a class; it’s a family group. I have made friends that will be with me forever; we never feel alone!

I am not sure where I get my ideas, but it has to be from real life. I love to do portraits of people and animals, plus I also like still life. I have painted several portraits of family members and friends which have been well received. I am still learning, and hope to improve. However, having fun is my goal (it’s cheaper than the shrink!!!). This is  a wonderful class.

By the way, my husband (Dr. Ken Lewis) also paints and was the July artist of the month.