Artist of the Month: Lucille Banick

Posted on June 6, 2018 by The Dunmorean

Lucille Banick photo Lucille Banick of Scranton is the June Artist of the Month at Dunmore Activity Hub. Lucille, who only began painting when she joined the group two years ago, finds her inspiration from the outdoors, since she enjoys fresh air and nature.

For one of her featured painting, Grazing Sheep, she painted trees and then decided she wanted to add animals and she thought of sheep.

She gets her ideas because this area has so many beautiful mountains and farmlands, and she enjoys looking at both the scenery and the animals.

Banick loves the painting class, noting, “We’re like a family and enjoy exchanging thoughts and ideas. Our instructor, Jill Sweirse, is wonderful and makes us aware of talent we never even knew we had!”

She goes on to say, “I enjoy going to painting class. It is so relaxing. Alison Boga, the director of the center, takes care of all things and informs us about other activities and events that are going on.”

Artist of the Month: Patricia Orr

Posted on May 2, 2018 by The Dunmorean

Patricia Orr is shown with her featured paintings entitled “Sarah.” She most enjoys painting portraits of her eight granddaughters.

Patricia Orr of Greentown has been named the Artist of the Month for May at the Dunmore Activity Hub. Mrs. Orr, who began painting while she was in high school, joined the painting group in February of 2016.

Her featured painting is entitled “Sarah,” and depicts her now six-year-old granddaughter when she was four years old. In fact, Mrs. Orr finds most of her inspiration for painting from her eight granddaughters.

“The oil painting class at Dunmore Senior Center has a wonderful, warm and friendly atmosphere,” Mrs. Orr explains. “That warmth encourages creativity.”

She adds that the center itself has much to offer to seniors, “Pretty much something for everyone.”

Artist of the Month: Bill Graziano

Posted on December 6, 2017 by The Dunmorean

Artist of the Month - Bill Graziano Bill Graziano is the December Artist of the Month at Dunmore Senior Center. Graziano decided to tackle his “bucket list” after retiring 10 years ago.

“Since oil painting was far down on the list, I didn’t get to it until several years ago,” Bill explains. “Dolly Michalczyk suggested the Dunmore Senior Center, known as HUB, to me. She told me just to bring a canvas and some brushes.” At that time, the paints were supplied.

“To my surprise, Dolly was absent upon my initial visit,” Bill remembers. “Still, I found everyone to be most welcoming and friendly. I was also happy to find other men in the class.”

Bill says the instructor, Jill Swersie, is “the BEST!” He says she is helpful and encouraging.

“Jill often tells us that if you don’t put paint on the canvas, we can’t correct it.,” Bill says. More experienced fellow students often offer helpful suggestions as well.

Recalling his first attempt, a Tuscan scene, Bill says, “My nickname for it is ‘beginner’s luck,’ as it actually turned out pleasing to the eye. Others that followed were not as lucky, but each painting became an exercise in painting techniques for me.”

Graziano has tried different styles and subjects while seeking his comfort zone—landscapes, nostalgic scenes, romantic, modern, and even abstract. He enjoys them all, but favors landscapes.

“But as far as completing a picture, I don’t think an artist ever thinks he is finally done,” he confesses.

His class has participated in art shows, both at the center and in the local community at First Friday events. At shows, he not only exhibits, but offers paintings for sale.

Bill still considers himself “an art student,” and does not plan to sign any of his paintings until he feels he has graduated to “artist.” He looks forward to continued growth.

Graziano says the HUB is a great community center, offering many different programs and opportunities for fun and new friendships.

“We are very lucky to have such a new and beautiful facility right here in Dunmore,” he says.