Davis Family YMCA art show honors seniors’ creativity

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Neighbors | Submitted .On June 26, guests from around the Valley gathered at the Davis YMCA to celebrate the painting talents of local senior painting clubs. During their event, guest of honor and YSU Professor Emeritus Jon Naberezny (center) celebrated with art teacher Suzanne Gray (left), Dee Banks, and Liz Naberezny-Martin. The inset painting of Professor Naberezny is called "Lost in Thought" and painted by Gray.

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Neighbors | Submitted .A proud artist took a moment on June 26 to pose with her award-winning work.

The Davis Family YMCA honored senior citizen artists on June 26 with an art opening and exhibition showcasing their talents. The exhibition, named “Centered: Slightly Off-Center,” featured more than 70 paintings created by residents of area assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Throughout the year, Painting Clubs meet regularly at various nursing homes to talk about and create art. Many of the artists are healthy, vibrant seniors, but most are battling afflictions related to strokes, dementia, multiple sclerosis, ALS, or Huntington’s disease.

“Our club members are a lesson in determination. They’re giving their all to the effort of creating art,” Painting Club founder and artist Suzanne Gray shared.

During the art show, Gray invited guest of honor Jon Naberezny, who is a YSU Professor Emeritus. Naberezny taught drawing to Gray, as well as Christopher Leeper, who served as the show’s juror.

Ribbons and cash prizes were donated by Denise DeBartolo York and prizes were awarded to senior artists from care facilities around the Valley.

Award winners from Ashley Circle included Theresa Hickson, Donna Adams, Betty Kelly, Helen Bailey, Jean Boesch, Janet Freisen, Mary Meese, Harry Wasson, and Ada Young; at Beeghly Oaks, Louise Stombock, Carolyn Kelly, Robert Hall, Linnea Berg, and Stella Brincko; The Inn at Christine Valley brought awards for Helen Wasko, Gloria Crofford, Jon Naberezny, Mary Delia, Sue Hepp, and Laura Price; for The Manor, Carol Miller, William Stanko, Helen Gaines, Lois Deiter, Jane Mason, Anne Pawlyschyn, and Maxine Saunders; at The Ridge, Ruth Heslep, Sarah Gray, Connie Ryan, Bill Frederick, and Marilyn Williams; for Victoria House, John Yavorsky, May Lagnes, David Sikora, Mary Bagin, April Danta, Irma Dombrowski, and Barb Melanson were honored.

For more information about the Painting Clubs, contact Gray at sgray@youngstownymca.org.