Blind, Octogenarian Artist Finds Joy in…Painting
Staring at a blank canvas can be intimidating for any artist. So, imagine the trepidation that an 82-year-old, legally blind beginner artist felt when she picked up a paint brush for the first time.
MJ (Mary Jane) Rago, became legally blind about two years ago due to macular degeneration. She can see some color, objects and forms but not details like a person's face. MJ moved to Victory Centre of Galewood supportive living community, where artist and fellow resident Lorraine invited MJ to, of all things, paint with her. Turns out that although MJ cannot see, she definitely has vision!
"Lorraine was a holding a painting class at 10 o'clock in the morning, and I thought, 'should I or shouldn't I go?'" said MJ, who bravely showed up to Lorraine's resident-lead art class. "She started by having me paint a color in a circle to see what I could do. The next thing you know, I painted a flower! It looked great," said MJ, who only knows that her painting passed muster because others whom she trusts told her so.
"I never thought that I'd be able to paint!" said MJ, who just three years after taking a leap of faith has created dozens of paintings. MJ's work is now proudly displayed in family members' homes and the halls of the senior community where she lives.
"I was apprehensive at first, but it turned out that art is a great diversion for me. And you'll never know if you are any good at something unless you try," said MJ, whose artistic ability surprised herself and others as well. She says, "Many react by saying, 'You didn't do this!' They've been amazed."
MJ's passion caught the attention of Colleen Koziara, a highly-skilled artist and art instructor, who facilitates creative arts programming for Victory Centre residents and older adults across the country through her senior wellness consulting firm, Beyond Bingo, Inc.
Colleen paints with MJ monthly and has been able to stretch her artistic abilities with new and challenging projects along with her patient and expert guidance. "Colleen makes it so interesting and helps with the details," MJ said.
The key to success starts with creating a consistent workspace with the brushes, water, paint pallet and canvas in the same spot each time. Colleen provides detailed verbal instructions about the composition of the painting and helps MJ find her position on the canvas. She also lets her know when it's time to clean the brush and makes sure MJ paints to the end of the canvas.
"I have a lot of fun working with MJ, because she obviously enjoys painting so much," says Colleen. "Art offers people of all ages, and especially older adults, a sense of purpose, independence, a creative outlet and an opportunity to take a break from daily concerns."
Plus, painting provides social connection and camaraderie with fellow artists. "In the studio, MJ is seen as a true equal," Colleen said. "Everyone may not face the same challenge as MJ, but they do experience set-backs and frustrations with their artwork that they can laugh about and overcome together."
MJ's vision continues to decline, while her artistic passion grows. She and fellow artists recently collaborated on creating an elaborate mural that will adorn Victory Center of Galewood's community bus and be seen by all around town.
Pablo Picasso once said, "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." Despite deteriorating eyesight, inexperience or advanced age, MJ is getting a good feather-dusting of the mind, body and soul through painting. "I've been fortunate to have such wonderful people come into my life to help me find and pursue my passion, and I thank God for giving me the grace to pursue this wonderful experience," said MJ, a true risk taker who inspires others to do the same.
Owned and operated by Pathway to Living, Victory Centre of Galewood is a supportive living community, located at 2370 N. Newcastle Ave., Chicago, offering award-winning VIVA! programming and wellness care, quality residential accommodations, amenities and support services at an affordable rate. For more information, visit www.pathwaytoliving.com or call (773) 295-4033.