VISIT THE ART GALLERY: AUGUST-SEPTEMBER

As a KAG resident for about six weeks now, more and more amazed by the talents and personalities here, I have delighted this month in the exhibit of resident and staff photography.

At the opening reception, the photographer most cornered was Hedda von Goeben, for a long wall celebrating "who hangs the wash, where they place it, and the country they live in."  It features vivid colored clothing gracefully hung in the South Pacific, spread on roofs above restaurants and art studios in South America, hung on ropes linking South Africa's Kelly green shanties, neatly organized on all white veranda clothes racks in Japan, attached with colored clothes pins in Tahiti.  A great idea, displaying only one of Hedda's artistic talents.

I was struck by the composition and sheer beauty of Jan Hoftiezer's pictures of the New Zealand Alps, Antarctica, and the high window flower boxes of Maastricht.  She has a photographer's eye.

Much attention was drawn to Wanda Quay's Tea Rose, the mushroom she spotted among autumn leaves, and a perfect shot of Old Faithful.  And everyone was counting the babies sheltered by Polly Redifer's mother elephant, then sharing experiences of--or dreams of--their own African safari.

Bob Doherty's focus on cooling area lakes, Kelley McCormack's collage of her "Home Away From Home" in the Great Smokies, and Kim Yang's delightful photos of laughing children and women, all remind us that they have lives beyond Kendal.

Mary Ingham's glorious shots of stages of the setting sun over the Gulf of Mexico make a Westerner like me long for that view, whereas Dan Fletcher's close-up shots of wildlife visitors outside his Kendal home tell us to get out there early and late if we want to see the wild turkey, snapping turtle, rabbits, raccoons, deer and pheasants!

Doyle Anderegg must have a great lens and quiet feet, judging by the exhibit's welcoming photos of wildflowers and butterflies he caught with open wings.

Don't miss this exhibit!

meh

Taking a Look at One Aspect of LGBT Equality

One of the ways the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of Kendal at Granville seeks to fulfill its mission to promote acceptance and inclusiveness is through holding periodic meetings of the Diversity Book Club.  The book chosen for our most recent session was “My Two Moms” by Zach Walls, the son of two lesbians and an activist on the behalf of LGBT equality. The subtitle,  “Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family” succinctly describes the lessons of life that Zach learned as he grew up.

Zach came to write this book after he addressed the Iowa House Judiciary Committee on 31 January 2011 in a public hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Iowa.  A video of his testimony posted on YouTube went viral. It had more than 1.5 million views within two weeks and exceeded 15 million views by April 2012.

One of the benefits of the Diversity Book Clubs is that it brings together both Kendal residents and staff members in a forum where they can discuss with each other books pertaining to topics on issues related to diversity and inclusion.  In our most recent event the number of staff members and residents was very nearly equal.  The co-leaders were Logan, a kitchen utility aide, and Susan, a retired Denison University professor of English. Logan had previously met the author and was impressed by what he had to say.  Therefore he recommended the book to us for study.

Our discussion ranged from personal reactions to the ideas expressed by Zach to sharing of personal interactions with LGBT persons.  Several comments related to the way in which Zach, an Eagle Scout, had used the Boy Scout Laws as a framework for his book.  Note was taken of the fact that Zach plans to work toward changing the negative views of gays within the Boy Scout organization. It was pointed out that in his book Zach states that one of his moms was regarded as a top Scout leader.  It was the consensus of the group that Zach’s approach was reasonable and well thought out.

Listening to this book and taking part in the discussion has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own personal journey to an understanding of the problems encountered by the LGBT community members in everyday life. I have come from a total unawareness that problems existed to a gradual awareness that there are people with such problems to becoming an advocate for LGBT equality.  Zach’s story has awakened me to an even greater awareness of my need to explore ways I can support LGBT equality. 

 

 

 

Celebrating Independence Day at Kendal

Sometimes everything falls nicely into place.  The stars are in conjunction. All is right with the world. "Serendipity"  – that's what it is: a serendipitous moment.

And that's the right term for the Independence Day celebrations at Kendal in 2014!

We actually started our celebrations a few days early. On the evening of Tuesday evening, July 1, a wonderful local choral group, the Vintage Voices, came to Kendal to present their annual July 4th concert. As the name suggests, the members of the chorus are senior citizens. But their voices were full and exuberant, and their program richly satisfying. The theme of the concert was patriotism, and the hallmarks of American society the singers chose to foreground were service to country and equality. The great American patriotic songs were performed – "America, the Beautiful," "God Bless America," and "The National Anthem" – and the audience was encouraged to join in on all of them. Each of the military branches was honored with the presentation of flags, borne in each case by residents who had served in the branch being recognized. Nor were the vital contributions of the myriad of persons who had not been members of the armed forces forgotten, as one choral number specifically celebrated these actions. The evening began solemnly with the posthumous conferring upon a former resident of an award for long and distinguished service to veterans. The concert was both a moment for serious reflection and an occasion for proud celebration.

On the evening of July 3rd the Granville community fireworks show lit up the clear skies over Kendal. Settled back in lawn chairs, residents could watch the colorful pyrotechnic displays while savoring the inevitable booms, bursts, and jolts that accompany them. For what would an Independence Day celebration be without some body-shaking blasts?

On the morning of the Fourth itself a contingent of about twenty residents gathered with two convertibles – our float! – to represent Kendal in the annual Independence Day parade down the main street in Granville. Some rode, some walked. The weather was spectacular, with temperatures in the mid-70s, low humidity, and a light breeze. The various floats represented many of the kinds of organizations that vitalize American communities: schools (public and private), musical groups, service organizations of all sorts and all ages, local businesses, and governmental offices. Children were everywhere. And so were people in colorful and often perplexing costumes. Many, including the Kendal gang, waved small American flags. The parade route was lined with spectators of all ages, ranks deep, often comfortably ensconced in lawn chairs while cheering, smiling, and waving. Some of these spectators were Kendal residents who preferred to watch and clap rather than walk in this spectacular setting. All in all, it was an occasion fit for Norman Rockwell.

Here, courtesy of Emily Conlon, are some photos of Kendal parade participants.

                      The Kendal Parade Gang

                   Dr. John Weigand, and Tom and Myra Gallant 
      

                                                         Dave Skeen

                              Becky Skeen

In the early afternoon the residents celebrated the Fourth with one of the spectacular mid-day meals that mark the big summer holidays at Kendal. To continue the Rockwell image, ask yourself this question. What could be more emblematically American than a special meal built around grilled hotdogs and hamburgers; brats and ribs; cole slaw, baked beans, deviled eggs, and corn on the cob; and an array of pies, cakes, and puddings?

It's true that many residents then spent the afternoon viewing the exciting World Cup matches. But that choice merely affirms that the spirit of America – as much on this 237th commemoration of the country's founding as on the grand day itself in 1776 – remains open to new and ever-broader visions.

We had a spectacular Fourth of July at Kendal. 

The Gallery Committee at Kendal at Granville

This blog begins where my last blog left off with the promise to continue the story of the Gallery Committee.  The mission of this committee was and remains to assume the responsibility for managing the Art b Gallery as Jane Heller had been doings since it opened in 2005.

One of the first tasks taken on by the committee was to obtain a museum quality hanging system to replace the hammer and nails being used.  This would free the maintenance department from continually having to repair the nail holes and repaint the walls.  The committee also was able to get the Woodworking Committee members to make a locked display cabinet with adjustable glass shelves to accommodate three dimensional art objects.  Considering the work involved in maintaining exhibits in two areas the committee decided to extend the time span for each exhibit to two months with alternating opening dates

Planning meetings are held once a month.  In between meetings members are engaged in a variety of tasks such as contacting artists, getting agreements with artists signed, putting up and taking down displays, arranging for and hosting receptions for show openings, sending thank you notes, etc.  Beyond a doubt this is one of our most active groups.

Since its inception the committee has hung twenty-nine gallery shows and set up twenty-seven cabinet displays.  All of this has been possible because of the number of artists and art enthusiasts who live here.  Four of the gallery shows consisted entirely of the works of Kendal artists.  When the subject matter of one of these shows was flowers the committee used the opening reception to not only recognize the artists but three individuals who created flower art in their own special way. One was a resident who has become known as the “flower lady” because she gives so many of us miniature bouquets of fresh flowers on birthdays and anniversaries.  The other two were a couple who created and maintained a lovely  “oval garden” where any one of us could pick flowers.

A call for art posters brought considerably diverse responses from twelve persons. There were posters from Alaska to Florida, from Delaware to California, with some from here in Ohio including one from Granville.  Some came from well known art museums while others came from lesser known venues.  Each reflected a bit about their owners. 

The response of residents and staff to a similar call for photographs demonstrated that we have some skilled photographers in our community.  One of blue birds by a staff member brought several requests for copies.  At the present time we are planning an informal presentation of photographs mounted simply on foam board. .

Believing that young artists should be encouraged we have had nine gallery shows featuring the work of students from nine area schools ranging from kindergarten to post-secondary levels of education.

 

Currently we have a display of Heisey glass in our display cabinet made up of items on loan from twelve residents. In July and August it will be replaced by a show of half boat models with sea shells. That will be followed by what we have come to call our “Olio Shows,” i.e.  Small groups of items from more than one artist.

Our current gallery exhibit is made up of pieces of art from the personal collections of fifteen residents.  Plans underway for future gallery shows include photographs, mandalas, student art, and fiber arts.  There is no quiet time for the members of this committee as they work to assure our community of a new show each month.

I personally find working with this committee fulfilling and challenging.  It helps to give purpose to my life.  Along the way I find that I discover kindred spirits among my fellow residents.  I believe that this is one of the reasons that we enjoy visiting and revisiting art galleries and art museums. Another benefit for me and our Kendal community is that the nature of the work of the committee keeps us focused on the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ART at Kendal at Granville

If you are reading this on your computer, you no doubt have some familiarity with the vagaries of computes such as crashes and frozen screens. When I discovered that the subject of Reed Browning’s most recent blog was the same as mine, I felt as though my computer had frozen and then crashed.  After reading what he wrote I have decided to post my blog with this preface.  I believe that Reed’s comments serve to back up the premise that led to my decision to write about art.  I also believe that my blog focuses on how we arrived at the events about which he has written.

Because of the extent to which ART permeates our lives here at Kendal at Granville I often think  the word should be printed in capital letters followed by exclamation points.  It all began with Jane Heller, an artist who was one of the four persons vitally involved in bringing Kendal at Granville into being.  Ever since then she has given us most generously the benefits of her talents as an artist.  It continued when the building that emerged from those dreams included an Art Studio and an Art Gallery. Then it happened as in the film, Dream Field, “If you build it, they will come.”  Artists and art enthusiasts began to come and they are still coming.

Thus far eighty-five of them have come.  This includes fifty-seven artists who create art and forty-six art enthusiasts who share items from their personal art collections   The fact that some may be counted as both artists and art enthusiasts accounts for the apparent discrepancy as to the total number who have come.

 Our artists include sixteen painters, thirty-one fiber artists, and eleven photographers. Thirty-four persons have provided items for our display cabinet and eighteen have made items available for the art gallery.   This count doesn't include all of our residents who come to our art opening receptions nor the people who create small artistic vignettes on the shelves just outside the doors to their apartments or hang art on the wall outside their apartments. 

In addition to those who came as artists two persons have developed their latent abilities to paint by taking advantage of the Art Studio and the willingness of a resident artist to teach. A painting activity in assisted living uncovered the hidden ability of another resident. Currently one of our residents, in her 90’s, is learning to draw portraits.  So not only do they come as artists but they become artists after they arrive.
Hedda von Goeben, one of our most ardent artists and art enthusiasts has enrolled regularly in art classes at Denison University with the goal of working as a ceramist.  Once she finished the course, Denison gave her the opportunity to teach ceramics to fellow residents. Eight residents have been enthusiastic participants in her classes and have demonstrated their artistic bent by producing a variety of ceramic objects which have been shown in our display cabinet.

 For the first four years Jane Heller was the curator for the Art Gallery arranging for a new art show every month featuring area artists..  With the passage of time it became evident that there was a need for others to help with the work of maintaining the gallery.  Thus in 2009 the Gallery Committee came into being.   More in my next blog about the work of this committee

Our Continuing Encounters with Art

Two grand visual arts events have come to fruition at Kendal this spring. And thus, even as we have already been celebrating the arrival of several artists into our community and our consequent emergence as a Licking County art colony, we have also become the venue for some engaging encounters with the works of exciting artists, both present and past.

First, we'll consider the contemporary artists. Throughout April and May the resident-run gallery committee has arranged for an exhibition of the creations of four Columbus-based artists to be on display. All four artists are associated with the Goodwill Art Studio and Gallery. In aggregate, these works take the viewer through a variety of alternative worlds, envisioned through a variety of media. (At this point I must say: caveat lector. I am not an artist and can only be grateful that some people are gifted enough to be able to accomplish what these folks do. Also, I know of no vocabulary that allows one to convey the complex set of responses that a person – in this case, me – feels when one's sensibilities are touched by visual or aural art. But still, humankind can't help but talk about art's impact, and so, here we go!)

Deborah Griffing exhibits both dolls and paintings. I found that her dolls could somehow (and simultaneously) invite cuddling and portend danger, and that her paintings, with their animal forms and floating shapes, could nudge my psychic equilibrium a bit off center.  Kate Gorman's contributions are a group of wall quilts that rock with color and achieve their effects through abstract forms and a readiness to violate apparent borders. Kristen Spickard displays a set of haunting miniatures that began their artifactual lives as photographs and have been transformed into evocative silver-gelatin prints. Cody Miller, whose paintings feature marvelous eyes, manages to impress me as the most internal of the artists, inviting the viewer's speculation about the thoughts that lie in the mind of the elusive figure on the canvas.

Second, we have launched our six-part program entitled "Adventures in Art at Kendal." This is a series of hour-long interactive encounters with docents and paintings at the Cleveland Museum of Art and has been organized in part with a grant from the Granville Arts Commission. The advance interest in this program in art history was so great that Kendal was obliged to establish queues among both residents and prospective residents in an effort to be fair in accommodating the hopes of members of both groups.

The first session, held on April 30, focused on Impressionism, and since I was not lucky enough to make the cut for attending this session, I can only report on it second-hand. It turned out to be a learning experience, in both implications of that term. To begin with the awkward news: not everything went quite as smoothly on this maiden voyage as we might have wished. But we had expected glitches (that's what maiden voyages are for), and they are being addressed. And in any case – now comes the happy news – they did not affect the central features of the program: the opportunity to view Museum masterpieces, and the chance to engage a museum expert in conversations about them. After the session the attendees proceeded with their own discussion of impressionism and then enjoyed a fine Kendal meal at which – what else? – impressionism was still discussed. The buzz at these post-session events was very positive.

The email feedback which has been received has also been quite positive, and new requests to get into the queue have appeared. Meanwhile, in response to suggestions from several participants, we are now exploring the possibility of organizing a bus trip or two to the Cleveland Museum of Art later this year.

All of this is good news for the art-conscious community at Kendal.

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

Written from the Perspective of a Member of the

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

In my last blog entitled “February Lifesavers” I wrote about two events which warmed our hearts  during the unrelenting cold and snow which plagued us throughout that month.  The first week in March we saw more of the same.  Fortunately for us the two groups that helped to brighten our spirits in February had planned an event for Shrove Tuesday (March fourth) which would once again warm us up on the inside while the cold winds blew outside. 

Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee began their explorations of ways to observe the day by clarifying the meaning of unfamiliar terms beginning with the word Shrove. They learned it means confess and is applied to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday which begins the season of penitence and fasting known as Lent. The French term Mardi Gras which means “Fat Tuesday” derives from the custom of eating rich fatty foods on the day before Ash Wednesday as a way to rid the pantry of lard, sugar, fat, and butter before the Lenten practice of fasting observed by many Christian denominations. 

Committee members also learned that another name for Shrove Tuesday is Pancake Tuesday because in many different parts of the world pancakes are one of the foods frequently served as one way to use up rich foods on hand.  In addition they found that in Pennsylvania Dutch and many German areas fastnachts, fried doughnuts, are quite popular on this day.  The name comes from two Gernman words: “faster” which means “to fast” and “nacht” which means “night” indicating the eve of the traditional Lenten fast. The German version is made from yeast dough, deep fried, and coated or dusted in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar; they may be plain or filled with fruit jam. Pennsylvania Dutch fasnachts can often be potato doughnuts, and may be uncoated, dusted with table sugar, or powdered with confectioner's sugar.   It quickly became apparent that the help of our dining staff would be essential to carry out a meaningful observance of Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras.

 Thus it was that the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and our outstanding dining staff came together to provide us with a taste of Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras traditions by offering us free pancakes and fastnachts at lunch on Shrove Tuesday.  As we entered the Heller Dining Room that day we found it decorated with colorful beads, masks, and glitter which created a festive atmosphere reflecting the carnival nature of Mardi Gras.   Research on the background of this aspect of Mardi Gras revealed that it goes back hundreds and hundreds of years when followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before the first day of Lent.  Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale, which means “to put away the meat.”  Over time the practice of carnivals spread throughout the world.

In the Bistro Jim, our Executive Chef, along with members off his staff were kept busy at  the grill making pancakes.  Everyone who had a pancake or two or three proclaimed them to be light, fluffy, and delicious.  In a word: perfect.  Fastnachts and crullers were available on the counter next to the grill. 

 

A pancake flipping contest in the Heller Dining Room proved to be a fun time for both spectators and participants.  A supply of skillets and cooked pancakes gave residents and staff members a chance to demonstrate their skill or lack thereof.  The objective of the contest was to see how many times a contestant could flip a pancake in thirty seconds.  The picture below shows the three top “flippers.”  Seen on the far right is Joan, one of our newest residents, who flipped her pancake 40 times.  On her left are two staff members, Stella and David, who tied for second place by flipping their pancakes 36 times.  The spectators joined the fun by cheering and poking good natured fun according to the degree of skill  or ineptitude displayed by the contestants.