“Weekend of the Arts” Set to Kick Off November 30th

Posted on November 7, 2018 by The Dunmorean

Alison Boga, Executive Director of the Dunmore Senior Citizen Center admires the artwork of Pat Orr and Mary K. White as she surveys the works of the Oil Painting Class, preparing for its upcoming Weekend of the Arts.

The third annual Weekend of the Arts is being held Friday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. at Dunmore Community Center on Monroe Avenue. Sponsored by the Dunmore Senior Citizen Center, it will feature oil paintings, social dancing, yoga, meditation, tai chi, and essential oils demonstrations, and a knitting and fiber arts display.

As people are enjoying the art show, with many works by The Dunmorean Artists of the Month and other talented painters, the Doug Smith Quartet will provide entertainment and light refreshments will be available.

Artwork, specialty handmade greeting cards, hand knit scarfs and sweaters, all crafted by members of the center will be available for purchase. As a special feature, gift certificates will be available will be available for oil painting, yoga, social dancing, and tai Chi classes.

Come and explore all the Center has to offer, shop, and enjoy the displays and entertainment while meeting friendly, active seniors.

Artist of the Month: Donna Marie Boland

Posted on October 3, 2018 by The Dunmorean

By Donna Marie Boland

Hi, my name is Donna Marie Maro Boland. My husband is Sean Damien and I have two beautiful children named Maria Lynn and Sean Robert.

I reside in Clarks Green but my hometown and my heart belongs to Dunmore. This is where I grew up and had some of my most treasured family memories.
I fell in love with art in first grade, when my art teacher, Mrs Briar, decided to have one of my pieces exhibited at the Everhart Museum. I was hooked. Once I retired, I felt something was missing from my life, until I joined this art group.

I’ve had the pleasure to get to know all of these wonderful artists for about a year-and-a-half. And while painting with them, I have come to call a lot of them my dear friends.
The people in this class are not only exquisite artists, but also some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. Between previous photographers, soldiers, political activists, and other government workers, it is very hard to concentrate on just one person’s conversation at a time, while painting. There is a wealth of knowledge among these intellectual people.
And then there is Jill Swierse, our instructor. She carefully goes around to each and every person in the class, giving artistic advice and personal knowledge of the best way to finish each of our works.
My most treasured piece of artwork is the one I call, “Love, Mom.” It’s a portrait I painted of my mom on my wedding day. She was so beautiful. I gave the portrait to my father for Father’s Day. He recently passed away, but he cherished this picture.

I hope to continue with this group for many years into the future and when my sister, Lynette, finally retires, I’d like to welcome her with open arms into this fun group.

If you like drawing or painting, this is the place to be. This Dunmore Activity Hub is a one-of-a-kind place and I’m so glad to be a part of it.

Artist of the Month: Shirley Nole

Posted on September 5, 2018 by The Dunmorean

Shirley Nole displays her featured painting entitled “Robin in a Treetop.”

Shirley Nole of Dunmore has been named Artist of the Month for September by the Dunmore Activity Hub.

Shirley, who joined the Dunmore Senior Center last spring, says she starting painting as soon as she heard about the sketching and oil painting classes.

Her featured painting is titled “Robin in a Treetop,” and represents springtime to the artist.

“As soon as I heard about the program and saw the beautiful work done by the men and women in the class, I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” explains Shirley.

She gets her inspiration from calendar illustrations and the great outdoors. In addition to working on canvas, she has painted flower boxes, coal pails, water cans, and even garbage cans in order to make them look better on the street and in the yard.

“The artists at the center are unbelievable, with the beautiful work they do!” Shirley enthuses. “They are so helpful to me and will stop working to help me. I have a special friend that will help me when the instructor is busy helping others. She can finish a beautiful painting in one day. I am in awe of her!

“Our instructor, Jill Swersie, helps everyone and I can’t wait for my turn.”

Regarding the Senior Center, Shirley encourages anybody who is home alone to consider joining.

“My son called the center to sign me up, and I am enjoying bingo, yoga, stretching with Gretchen, but most of all sketching and painting,” Shirley says. She also notes that Tai Chi, crochet, knitting and card games are also available for those interested, and that persons who cannot drive can sign up with the transit company for seniors.

“And, the lunch menu is always great!”