BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. - On Monday, Nov. 24, the Bedford Recreation Department held its annual Senior Art Show at the Bedford Hills Community House.
Cubism, watercolor, and acrylics lined the walls—artwork that spoke for itself, but also reflected a creative process that slows the pace of daily life, according to participant Noreen Donovan.
“Painting gives the chance for peace and quiet,” Donovan said.
“It’s introspective and lets you think about things we overlook in our harried lives.”
Her chosen subject was her late pit bull, Minnie. “I miss her,” said the Brewster resident. “Minnie would put her back legs out and lay flat on the ground.”
Proud of the backyard scene she created, Donovan said, “I’m doing well for someone who just started. The window feels like you’re looking out.”
Marian Belli also offered a unique perspective, though hers came through a cat—not a dog. The Bedford Hills senior painted a shadowy feline portrait that captures the mysterious nature of the animal. “You don’t know which way the cat is looking,” she said.
Though she describes herself as “more of a doodler,” Belli looks forward to taking her piece home and returning to next year’s program.
Ann Manlow brought decades of artistic experience to the show. A former Bronx art teacher, she finds satisfaction in both creating and learning.
“It feels good to create,” said the 92-year-old. “It’s just the process.”
Still, the teacher in her emerged: “You always want to improve yourself.”
And the student, too: “I learned how everyone responds differently to a piece of art.”
Mary Hurowitz of Stanwood joined the program to continue exploring her creativity. “I took the writing group, the poetry group, and I wanted to branch out,” she said. She credited instructor Rosemary Vorel for encouragement. “Rosemary is very talented, patient, and makes you feel good about trying.”
Watercolors are Hurowitz’s favorite, and she allowed herself a moment of praise. “I’m kind of impressed,” she said. But for her, success goes beyond aesthetics. “It expands your mind and makes you feel like you have something to offer.”
Bedford Hills resident Rebecca Cuba found inspiration in herself, creating a witch-themed portrait that still felt like an honest reflection. “I’m beautiful,” she said with a smile.
Town Supervisor Ellen Calves admired both the artwork and the atmosphere. “It looks like these artists are in the moment, which is a message for our very busy lives,” she said.
Instructor Rosemary Vorel said the journey is as meaningful as the finished pieces. “They don’t realize how good the work is when they are in it, and are then shocked by how good it looks on display,” she said.
And if you ask Hurowitz, there’s another benefit that’s just as important. “It gets you out of the house,” she said with a laugh.
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