Creative Strokes

The Masonic Village Art Association (MVAA) in Elizabethtown has an open-door policy, and even those who’ve never picked up a paintbrush are welcome anytime.

It took Nancy Halliwell more than 15 years of living at Masonic Village to walk into the studio, but since joining last October, she’s completed 28 paintings.

“This place is fabulous,” Nancy said. “Someone with no base knowledge can come in, and people are willing to help. All the supplies are here, the room is here. The fact that I’m in here a lot says it all.”

Boasting more than 50 members, MVAA’s current officers are: Jim Smith, president; Eileen Meckley, vice president; Janet Ray, secretary; and Darlene Fairfax, treasurer. The Art Gallery Steering Committee chairperson is Barbara McCurdy.

Membership in the association is $15 annually. The studio is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, from 1 – 3 p.m., but members can receive a key to come when they wish. The only criteria is they leave the door open when they’re using the studio.

Most artists work in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pencil, pastel, etching or 2-D art. Work is displayed throughout the studio, as well as in the hallway near Franklin’s Press café and by the bank in the Buchanan Clubhouse, based on themes the Gallery Steering Committee selects. There are several pieces for sale on a table in the studio.

“Our goal is to have a place for residents to practice their hobby and pass the time in a peaceful, enjoyable, no-stress environment,” Jim, president, said. “Masonic Village has been wonderful to us, giving us our own space to spread out. We asked them to add a closet to store extra artwork and easels, and they built it for us.”

The room also features track lighting, lots of equipment and materials and an opaque projector. A large screen TV allows them to show lessons or videos from YouTube.

“It’s a great place for ideas,” Barbara said. “Everyone is so supportive, not judgmental.”

Barbara worked on an art workshop for the Masonic Health Care Center staff. She and her sister, Marjory Woodburn (then vice president of MVAA), presented it to staff during an annual off-site retreat. It was slowrolling for the group following COVID-19, but they look forward to holding more workshops soon.

“We don’t have a ‘typical’ artist,” Jim said. “We have some professionals, former teachers and those who just feel like doing it.

“I took a class once on Bob Ross at Boscov’s, but that’s it,” Eileen said. “I just enjoy it.”

While most artists create pieces for their own enjoyment, receiving a little recognition is nice, too. At the recent Elizabethtown Fair, Masonic Village was well represented. A total of 20 members of the Art Association submitted 73 entries. The artworks were in various mediums and competed in several categories, earning 44 ribbons. Eileen coordinated the submissions.

LIFELONG PASSION

When it comes to art, Carolind Parson “did it all and taught it all.” A graduate of Edinboro University, she has 35 years of experience in teaching fine arts, both publicly and privately. Her works have been exhibited at galleries and shows across the state, and her awards are numerous. You can find her artwork in private collections and local businesses.

Carolind is a Signature Artist and Life Member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and Life Member of the Millersburg Art Association. Her preferred medium is watercolor, and her subjects include flowers, landscapes and animals, but she doesn’t limit herself.

“There isn’t any idea or object that hasn’t been painted,” she said. “In my artwork, I try to create a new visual approach and expression of numerous subjects utilizing various media.”

The MVAA was one of the main draws for Carolind’s move to Masonic Village.

“It’s friendly,” she said. “There are extremely good artists here. Most importantly, there are people who are happy, whether they’re self-trained or professionally trained.”

Barbara attended Indiana University of PA and Florida International University. Her first job was as an art teacher was in the Slippery Rock School District, and she has taught across the country, from Florida to Wisconsin, at schools, colleges, universities and museums. The MVAA was also a factor in her move to Masonic Village.

“I’ve had a great career,” she said. “I’m happy to be here and help if I can.”

Barbara’s pieces on display in the studio are landscapes done in watercolors.

“I’ve always loved art,” she said. “It has always been a part of my life. I still enjoy taking online courses. I can’t stop learning. You never master it; you’re never done.”

A NEW ADVENTURE

Nancy (shown in top photo) has been involved in a lot during her time as a resident at Masonic Village, but art is a new frontier for her. She started off taking part in some of the wine and paint workshops and decided to pay the studio a visit.

One of her current pieces is a painting based on a photo of her great uncle playing the banjo. She’s tried portraits, structures, scenery and even did a piece featuring paintings on display in the studio (see above photo).

“It’s a great example of Masonic Village providing for residents,” she said. “I just think a lot of this place. There are so many things to try and places to go and volunteer.”

Whether you were born with a paintbrush in hand or haven’t drawn a picture since elementary school, the MVAA has an easel open for you.