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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, February 12, 2010 · 30 Seniors appreciate all the nuances of art n By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It just goes to show art can be enjoyed by young and old. Oakville's Churchill Place Retirement Residence held its inaugural Art Gala Monday, afternoon in its lobby. The gala featured the works created by a group of about 15 residents at the Church Street home. "I think art is important," said artist Patricia Culliard. "Everyone says they can't do anything artistically, but when they get to it, they get surprised that it turns out better than they expected." Culliard is a resident in the home and a regular at its weekly art class. When the art class began dwindling in size, she rounded up new artists and suggested they should hold an art show together to increase interest. The idea was picked up and the class size has grown to about 10 people. She herself loves to knit and showcased some of her needlepoint, knitting and PHOTOS BY MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER DRAWING OUT TALENT: Nancy Cleary, left, and Pat Scott discuss art, while at right, Cleary ponders a painting during an afternoon gala featuring the works of the members of an in-house art group at Churchill Place Retirement Residence. The event also featured exhibits from the Erchless Museum. paintings. Teacher Dell Brown, who has been instructing the art class for six years at the residence, said art is very good exercise for the residents. "It stimulates people," he said. "It stimulates their creativity, it keeps their minds sharp and it's good for them physically." The show included paintings in various media such as acrylic and watercolours, as well as sculptures, knitting, needlework and other art forms. Resident Eileen Morrissey, though not a member of the art group, had her paintings on display. She had large sized paintings depicting scenery as well as various objects. She said she painted as a child, but then she gave up the art. Then when she retired she returned to painting. "I've always loved painting," she said. The show also included an exhibit from the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate and visitors were treated to wine with crackers and cheese. Eleanor Fuller spends much of her free time painting. "I have too much energy, I have to do something," she said. "I wish more people would get into art." STARS OF HBO COMEDY FORMERLY OF THE BARENAKED LADIES COMEDY PLAY BASED ON AWARD WINNING NOVEL THE BLACKPACK S.E.L.L.O.U.T.! TOUR Thursday February 18th SUMMER OF MY AMAZING LUCK Saturday February 20th with STEVEN PAGE Thursday February 25th THE ART OF TIME All performances are at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts To purchase tickets, please call our box office at 905-815-2021 or order on-line at www.oakvillecentre.ca