Art Group: Meets each Wednesday to paint

Continued from A2 this on a much bigger canvas,” Gibert said. “But then, where would I hang it? I am all out of wall space.”

Gibert usually paints in oils on canvas “but sometimes water colors, acrylics or colored pencils on paper.” As for why she paints, Gibert said it is because she is “interested in the way the world looks.”

“I often paint animals or portraits,” she said. “When I was still a printmaker I often depicted imaginary landscapes or creatures, so I am also interested in the way the world inside the head looks. Printmaking seems to elicit that for me.”

For Gibert, Libert’s artists group is “an inspiring surrounding.”

“Lorna’s art classes have gathered a group of women, and an occasional man, who are good company, warm, smart, and all loving this beautiful pastime,” Gibert said. “Her joyous paintings are all over her studio and house, making it full of color and action and light.”

Loving art, friendship

Linda Calkins also took art classes from Libert at WCC, back I the mid-2000s, she estimates. A Lynden resident, Calkins points out that the Wednesday afternoon artists do pay Libert “a nominal amount because she makes her living as an artist.” However, most of ladies who meet with Libert are considered professional artists “because we sell our work and display in local galleries.”

“Some ladies paint just for the love of painting and don’t attempt to sell,” Calkins said. “After all this time we have become a close group of friends. Painting together allows us to help and cri- tique each other as well as getting so much instruction from Lorna. ere are no artistic egos but lots of good humor and generosity.” e way Calkins sees it, the ladies “are all much better painters because we paint together.”

“But we also support each other as women who have lived long enough to experience a lot,” Calkins said. “It’s much more than a group of artists.

A resident of Bellingham, Jacqueline Hollingsworth was born and raised in Paris, France. In the ‘60s, she accepted an invitation to spend a year with some relatives who were living in Oregon.

“Here I still am after 58 years, becoming a US citizen, raising twins and loving it here in the Northwest in particular,” Hollingsworth said.

Eventually, some of Hollingsworth’s friends encouraged her to join them in painting and drawing classes.

“I started painting after I retired from teaching French and Spanish in high school,” Hollingsworth said. “ ere started my enthusiasm for painting.”

It’s been 20 years now since Hollingsworth joined Libert’s art class. My interest in painting grew, and I met some fabulous artists in class at Lorna’s house that she built to accommo- by the local music. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter. org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

Feb. 28

Integrated Floodplain Planning online information

The Whatcom Watersheds Information Network and Whatcom County will host an information event on Integrated Floodplain Planning in Whatcom County at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28. This Zoom event will provide an overview and updates on Whatcom County’s Floodplain Integrated Planning process and how this will guide future work to reduce flood risk, recover salmon populations, and improve the resiliency of floodplain agriculture and floodplain communities in Whatcom County. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions during the event. Registration is required. More information and the registration link can be found at whatcomwin.org/speakerseries.

Feb. 28

Phishing with Gabriel Souza

At 12:45 p.m. Feb. 28, at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, Gabriel Souza will discuss email and phone phishing; how to handle them, what to expect and what they look like or sound like, so you won’t be caught. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

Feb. 28

Your Voice, Your Choice workshop

From 6-8 p.m. Feb. 28, join the Your Voice, Your Choice workshop presented by Peace Health and hosted by the Lynden Community/Senior Center. Making your wishes known clearly in advance of a crisis is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, your family and friends. This two-hour workshop will take you step-by-step through the Washington state advanced care planning documents, which may include health care directives. Call (360) 3542921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information or to register. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St.

March 2 Connections with Caregiving

Mariah Davis, NWRC Outreach Specialist, will host a virtual open house for people interested in becoming in-home caregivers. Davis will provide information about the hiring process through Consumer Direct WA (CDWA), referrals to Medicaid-contract agencies, answer questions about in-home caregiving, and provide resources and support for those trying to work through the process. Everyone is welcome, registration not required, so join us virtually at https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/82158626557. Meeting ID: 821 5862 6557.

March 3-12

Fiddler on the Roof Lynden High School’s theater arts department will present Fiddler on the Roof, March 3-12, at Judson Auditorium (the old Lynden Middle School), 516 Main St., Lynden. Directed by Tina Miller, costumes by Kim Silva, choreography by Ashlie Blaske and orchestra conducted by Austin McCombs. Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 3-4 and March 10-11, and at 3 p.m. March 5 and March 12. Tickets are all general admission and only sold at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 and older) and students (K-12). Auditorium doors open one hour before showtime. Theatre doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Call (360) 354-4401 or email LHSDramaPublicity@ gmail.com for more information.

March 3-April 1

Whatcom READS Art Challenge date huge paintings.

Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, will host the annual Whatcom READS Art Challenge from March 3-April 1. The challenge is a partnership with the Bellingham and Whatcom libraries’ Whatcom READS program. Local artists were tasked with reading this year’s chosen book, The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Artists are then invited to create works inspired by their reading of the book. Also featured in the gallery are works by Kiki Cardarelli, Harmoney Devauney, Lyz Stamen, Jessica Silver, and Rupert Ayton. Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, proceeds from all sales go toward supporting the arts in the community. Email kelly@alliedarts.org for more information.

In a recent artists group session, Hollingsworth painted a nature scene in acrylic on canvas, a lone tree by a river in the fall, with what she called vibrant colors. She paints “because I enjoy being in a group of mostly ladies who encourage me to keep it up and also because I enjoy their friendship.”

“We are a very diverse group and it is fun to wander around class and watching them paint while sipping some co ee or wine, and admiring and asking questions as to why they chose the particular scene they are reproducing on canvas,” Hollingsworth said.

As for her choice of medium, Hollingsworth said she started with watercolors, then pastels, before she settled on acrylics which Hollingsworth called her “medium of date.”

“I paint with Lorna because she is a fabulous teacher and is very encouraging,” Hollingsworth said.

“You can always rescue a painting that you think is bad, and she will show you how to rescue it from the garbage can. Also I love to come to class and forget the daily routine that engulfs us every day and just concentrate on painting.”

-- Contact Bill Helm at bill@ lyndentribune.com.