Lifespan Art Class Seeking Members

Mary Ann Achter said she’s probably been a frustrated artist for most of her life.

She has taken art lessons and works with stained glass, but recently, she decided to join the art class offered by the LifeSpan Hillsdale Center—and she said everything is good about that.

“My neighbor told me about this class,” she said. “It’s a good way for me to get back into something I really enjoy.”

Art classes for Lifespan members are offered on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The classes are informal. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Instructor Ann McCartney is there on Wednesdays to guide the class.

“This organization really tries to get people together, retirees especially, to meet and socialize and find some new interests,” McCartney said. “We have people who have been here for years, but we’re always welcoming new artists.”

Several seats are open in the class, and McCartney said she welcomes anyone who is interested. Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, McCartney said, she’ll show you what to do.

That’s how Jane Mitchell learned, although she started while former teacher Pat DiPippa was at Lifespan.

“I never painted until about five years ago,” Mitchell said as she added the finishing touches to a beach scene called “Vacation.” “I’ve been able to sell some paintings. I just love doing the shows. This all is very relaxing for me.”

Mary Simon has been around the art studio a bit longer. She started painting when she retired in 1999, and has worked with Lifespan classes since 2001. She helped organize art shows each year—the 10th annual art show, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"local-artists-show-off-talent-at-hillsdale-event"} --> was held at