Marie Mohila is shown with a wide variety of her paintings, including portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.
By Marie Mohila
A very dear friend of mine, Ivone Grzech, invited me to join her during an art class she attended at the Dunmore Senior Center when it was located on Chestnut Street in Dunmore approximately 14 years ago. And as they say, “the rest is history.”
Over the next two years I began my journey as an amateur art student. I took a four year break from the classes as I was hired as the Executive Assistant to the President and Dean at the Commonwealth Medical College and worked full time. When I retired eight years ago, I returned to the Senior Center art classes which are now held at the Dunmore Community Center on Monroe Avenue.
I can’t say that I have a favorite subject matter to focus on, as I enjoy painting anything and everything. Throughout the years I have painted various wintery scenes that I have printed as my Christmas cards. Family and friends tell me how much they enjoy receiving these unique and personal greeting cards, and many have told me that they have even framed them.
One thing I enjoy most is taking photos when travelling and then painting those memories at home. Some of my favorite spots are in Maine and include Chebeague Island, Marginal Way (along the ocean in Ogunquit), Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. I have also enjoyed painting plein air at various bed and breakfasts in both Pennsylvania and Maine, and last year I was invited to return to be an artist-in-residence at a bed and breakfast in Ogunquit.
I have found that over the years I’ve grown in my artist skills which have included “loosening” up of my style of painting.
My mantra in life has always been “giving is living.” I most enjoy donating many of my giclee prints to various charitable auctions. One of my favorite charities to give back to is the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College.
During 2018 I was faced with many health challenges which prevented my painting for an entire year. Besides my family and friends, the one thing that got me through this difficult time was the vision of returning to my love of painting. I have been truly blessed to rejoin my classes at the Dunmore Senior Center this past February and I am so happy to say that I plan to fulfill my dream of being an artist-in-residence in Ogunquit, Maine.
A big THANK YOU to the Dunmore Senior Center for affording us the opportunity to be able to attend these art classes.
The Dunmore Senior Center, located at 1414 Monroe Avenue in Dunmore, is looking for volunteers.