Residences at Vantage Point Artists Hold “Joy of Art II” Exhibition
October 28, 2021
“The Red Quilt,” which measures 60” x 70”, was created by Vantage Point resident Pam Simrell. Photo by Paula Rasera
Residences at Vantage Point recently hosted an exhibition, “Joy of Art II,” showcasing artwork of various genres by residents of the retirement community in Downtown Columbia. Organized by residents Bernice Kish and Sharon Price, the show was featured in a recent reception for local dignitaries and special guests.
Residences at Vantage Point is noted for its arts and cultural activities, and the “Joy of Art II” exhibition evidenced the broad scope of residents’ creativity. Work on display included ceramics, crocheting, embroidery, knitting, painting, photography, quilting, stained glass, and woodworking.
Some of the art pieces in the show are functional, such as Lynn Perlin’s stoneware pottery dinnerware, Joyce Barnes’ crocheted Afghans and Irene Hantman’s crewel embroidery pillow cover, while other works commemorated travels abroad through photographs like Jeff Friedhoffer’s “Varenna, Italy,” or portrayed young children, animals or birds in a variety of mediums. Wall hangings included an intricately quilted 60” x 70” piece, “The Red Quilt,” by Pat Simrell and a hooked rug by Jean Larson.
Kish and Price collected art work submitted by fellow residents and organized the show to recognize the artistic efforts of those living at Vantage Point. The duo shares an interest in art and experience in mounting exhibitions. The Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House is named in honor of the long time Columbia resident, who served for 26 years as Wilde Lake Village Manager and is a watercolorist herself. Price is a newer resident to Columbia, having moved to Vantage Point from the Eastern Shore just four years ago. Price has also helped with gallery shows and is an oil painter.
“Both of us really wanted to do the exhibition to showcase residents, and we wanted to celebrate art,” Kish explains. “What makes it work is the range of artists,” she says, noting that some are experienced and accomplished and others are new enthusiasts and students. Price created thoughtful labels for each artwork on display, including information about each artist and the choice of medium being used.
Participating artists included Joyce Barnes, Ruth Anne Becker, Rebecca Birnie, Bruce Blum, Will Cook, Laura Driscoll, Larry Fenton, Carol Friedhoffer, Jeff Friedhoffer, Claudia Friend, Irene Hantman, Bernice Kish, Ed Kuespert, Jean Larson, Stephanie Lyon, Madeleine MacCragh, Sheri McKone, Suzanna Merritt, Lucie Pelgrim, Lynn Perlin, Charlie Poyer, Sharon Price, Paula Rasera, Leon Rosenberg, Carol Ross, Emilie Sanborn, Pat Simrell, Reuben Stollman, Victoria Tsitlik, Jane Wasser, Joanne White, and Pat Wilson.
Residences at Vantage Point is home to over 250 residents, all of whom are fully vaccinated. It was founded in 1990 and is a nonprofit serving people age 60 and above. Managed by Life Care Services, the community includes a variety of residential living arrangements from studio to two-bedroom deluxe apartments. It provides long-term health services available exclusively for residents should they need them. It is located at 5400 Vantage Point Road. Visit www.VantagePointResidences.org for more information.