Art for all ages

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- The walls of the Costa Mesa Senior Center on Friday were

garnished with desert landscapes, abstract flashes of color and a cat

driving a woody.

It was the debut of the Orange County Artists Showcase, a three-day

display of paintings, sculptures and photographs created exclusively by

seniors.

“There are so many seniors in Orange County and so much talent,” said

Jerrel Richards, co-chair of the event. “Some artists are extremely

modest. And others are beamingly proud. But the good work motivates

everyone.”

Some who came to look were inspired to try their hand at art, too.

“This is the first art show I’ve ever been to,” said Florence Wecklich,

76, as she walked alone in a room of brightly colored paintings dedicated

to Louis Armstrong. “This inspires me to take lessons. Maybe next year

they’ll be showing my work.”

Artists submitted more than 2,000 pieces to show organizers, who chose to

display roughly 350, Richards said. A jury will select the best three

works in three categories: novice, amateur and professional. Winners will

receive cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Artist Susan Cole, who turned 66 today, had three works hanging at the

senior center on Friday: a painting of three macaws flying across a

gold-leaf background, an etching of a pelican and a watercolor of

colorful hot air balloons.

“I have more time everyday, so my art has gotten a bit more relaxed,”

said Susan Cole, a former junior high art teacher. “In school, I had to

be a lot more rigid.”Tickets for the show are $2.50 and proceeds will be

used for projects at the senior center.

The art show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday at the

Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St.