Senior center shares talents in ‘Walk of Creativity’
- For the Walk of Creativity, Peggy Robinson, a member of Madison Senior Center, entered ceramic footballs for the auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide. RECORD PHOTO/GREGG L. PARKER
- 9-28 n_SeniorCenterWalkOfCreativityTable.JPG: The Walk of Creativity at Madison Senior Center included members’ paintings in various mediums, cross-stitch and other needlework, wreaths, woodworking and ceramics. RECORD PHOTO/GREGG L. PARKER
MADISON – Diverse talents of Madison Senior Center members were on exhibit at the “Walk of Creativity.”
Originally, volunteer craft instructor Barb Mills wanted to display her students’ projects. Eventually, Mills reconsidered and invited all members for the exhibit.
About 20 seniors participated, center director Vickie Parker said. Parker publicized the event in the center’s monthly newsletter and placed signs encouraging seniors to bring items.
Most items were made in center classes. Seven tables and adjacent wall space displayed the creations.
“Our craft and art classes allow the seniors to express their creativity. We have had seniors in our art classes that never realized they had artistic talent until they began attending our classes,” Parker said.
Volunteer Keith Fitzgerald instructs the center’s art classes.
Member Peggy Robinson brought a painting by fellow member Ben Reily. “One day, Peggy and Ben were looking at a calendar with a beautiful cardinal. Peggy said she wanted a painting of it, and Ben obliged to paint one,” Parker said.
“A few days later, Ben showed up with an amazing painting identical to the calendar picture for Peggy. No one knew Ben had any artistic ability until that day,” Parker said. Reily also exhibited his painting of a snow-laden house.
Robinson also entered her own designs — ceramic footballs for both Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide. “I’m giving the Auburn football to a relative for Christmas. I’m keeping the Alabama football for myself,” Robinson said.
Before center classes, Robinson had never tried ceramics. “I want to continue, but we can’t do ceramics right now because we need a teacher,” she said.
Paulette Hinson displayed her quilt, handmade from vintage feed sacks. Several members remembered their families buying sugar and flour in cloth sacks.
Charlene Pemberton exhibited a ceramic tureen, watercolor and a mesh ribbon wreath. Pemberton thoroughly enjoyed the experience and “likes to make practical things that I can use.”
Other exhibits included paintings in oil, watercolor and pencil; cross-stitch; embroidery; crochet; knitting; wreaths; woodworking; and handmade lace.
District 4 Councilman Mike Potter and wife Patricia were among the guests. Parker thanked Potter for support as center liaison. “He will be missed,” Parker said as members applauded.
Residents with a talent to share at the center can call Parker at 256-772-6258. “Our seniors are always eager to learn new things,” she said.
