Artist of the Month: Lillian Banick

Posted on February 2, 2021 by The Dunmorean

***Lillian Banick, February Artist of the Month at the Dunmore Activity Center, is shown with three of her paintings, from left: “Lake Scranton”, “Paris,” and “Horse Frolicking.”***

Lillian Banick is one of the most dedicated painters at the painting class at Dunmore Activity Center. She and her sister, Lucille, were even seen stopping at the center for painting tips during the last COVID opening.

Lillian always admired art and her story is memorable.

“I started oil painting while working with the United States Foreign Service,” Lillian explains. “I was stationed in countries around the world, but I believe I took my first art lessons while serving in India. Over the course of my career with the State Department, I painted landscapes and cityscapes of places that captured my imagination in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, etc. After retirement, I didn’t pick up a brush for many years.”

The above quote was shared by her proud nephew, Brian Petula, Esq. who lovingly added,” I enjoy looking at my aunt’s paintings of the Taj Mahal, places she visited in the Rhine, the view from her embassy apartment in Hong Kong, etc.

“Each painting reminds us of her many memorable stories and adventures of service around the world. For example, in India Aunt Lil worked with Mother Teresa helping place some of the most disadvantaged orphans with families in the United States.

“I have one of Aunt Lil’s paintings of an old German village hanging in my living room. It is a daily reminder of how proud I am of her service and contributions to our country.”

When Lillian discovered that the Dunmore Senior Center was offering a painting class, she was enthused and “jumped at the opportunity.” The benefits are many, and she says, “It’s been more rewarding than I ever expected!”

As well as painting, Lillian enjoys the social aspect of the class and the ability to share techniques with others.

“This class provides me the opportunity to meet many interesting people and view their paintings. Our instructor Jill Swersie is very patient and has shared invaluable artistic advice. “We have a good time and learn a lot from each other,” she notes.

Lucille enjoys painting with her friends, and notes, “Landscapes and animals are my favorite subjects.”

Her niece, Linda Ross, comments, “I recently received a painting of a lion and a lioness lying together in the grasslands that my Aunt Lillian recently completed during quarantine since her art classes are currently on hold. It is something I will cherish forever and I am proud to have her expression of art adorn our home.”

Artist of the Month: Lucille Banick

Posted on January 6, 2021 by The Dunmorean

Lucille Banick is shown with some of her paintings. Her preferred subjects are animals and landscapes. Shown here are a variety, including an owl, autumn scene, and floral still life.

The Dunmorean is responsible for Lucille Banick signing up for painting classes at the Dunmore Senior Center. Prior to this class, her only art experience was in school and a brief, four week community course she took years ago.

This is her fourth year painting with the Dunmore group. Besides the artistic benefits, she enjoys the comraderie of the other students and learning from them as she visits and observes them during the class.

“I miss not going to art class during this quarantine, and seeing Jill Swersie, our instructor, and the other artists,” she states, and mentions that she values Jill’s advice on “color, technique, and design.”

Although Lucille’s preferred subjects are animals and scenery, during this quarantine she has channeled her energy and talent into touching up old paintings, frames, and yard décor. She loves and enjoys the art group and the relationships forged there.

“At home, I don’t paint as much, but recently reviewed and organized my finished art,” Lucille says. “I made 8”x10” copies of some of my paintings and will frame these as gifts for the holiday season. I am so glad to have learned painting at the Center!”

Artist of the Month: Pat Orr

Posted on December 1, 2020 by The Dunmorean

The Dunmore Senior painting group has been very fortunate to have Pat Orr join us from Greentown. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night,” like the letter carriers, she consistently traveled to paint with our class and entertain us with her stories.

An accomplished artist, Pat started painting in high school and continued studying art throughout her life. She joined the Painting Group at the Dunmore Hub in 2016 and has so enjoyed “the comradery and support” of the group.

Pat feels that, “Jill Swersie, our instructor is a very talented artist and wonderful teacher…Jill is a good friend to all of us.”

She enjoys painting her family, especially her grandchildren. Her featured painting: “Ocean City,” is of two of her granddaughters, who are sisters, on a family vacation.

“The Activity Hub provides us a warm and welcoming environment to grow artistically. We even have an art show there each year.”

The art class is saddened that Pat will soon be leaving us to move to Connecticut, closer to her family, and wish her much happiness with her move.