Monday, Jan. 12, 2009

Walla Walla retired artists have brush with fame

By Loretto J. Hulse, Herald food writer

WALLA WALLA -- They're longtime friends, artists and residents of Park Plaza, a retirement community in Walla Walla.

Now, Rosemary Anderson, 88, and Elsie Grudzinski, 82, share something else in common.

They're both winners in the 2008 Holiday Retirement Corporation's resident art contest and their paintings have been reproduced on greeting cards available nationwide.

"It all came as a surprise. We had an art show here at Park Plaza and I had a bunch of my paintings here in my room so I hung a couple in the show. The manager, Dave Workman, asked if he could take a couple of pictures of my paintings. I didn't think anything of it. He didn't say why he wanted them," Grudzinski said.

Later, when Workman told her that she'd come in third in the holiday division and Anderson fifth in all occasion, Grudzinski said, "I almost fell through the floor."

Holiday Retirement operates more than 300 facilities in the United States and Canada including Park Plaza. The entries are first judged at shows at each facility. Winners advance through regional and national competitions until 24 artists are chosen as finalists.

"There were hundreds, thousands of entries," said Lorraine Gilbert, co-manager at Park Plaza, "so it's quite an accomplishment to be chosen."

Anderson was equally surprised her painting was chosen.

"That's not even my favorite," she said, explaining that it's the one Workman picked, not her.

Anderson's a self-taught artist who enjoys watercolors and sketching as well as oils.

"I've been doing artwork since I was a little kid. My father's sister was considered a good artist, it must be in my genes," she said.

Grudzinski's first brush with oils was years ago when a friend challenged her to go to art class.

"I went, but I was nervous because I didn't know one brush from another. But I kept sticking with it," she said.

Her health doesn't permit Grudzinski to paint anymore, something she really misses in life.

Her entry, also chosen by Workman, is a moonlit snow scene of a cabin and horse and buggy.

"It's nearly everybody's favorite (of her paintings). I like it but I have some others I like just as well," Grudzinski said.

Anderson's entry is of an ocean at sunset.

Each artist received a plaque and a generous supply of their cards, which both women sent out to friends and family at Christmas.

"I was tickled to give them out. A lot of people framed them," Grudzinski said.

The cards are being sold through the Holiday Retirement corporate headquarters in Salem. Each set of 10 cards -- choose all-occasion or holiday -- costs $5.

Proceeds from card sales will be used to fund resident activities and supplies at the retirement communities.

To buy a set, or two, call 800-370-7924, press 0, and ask for resident relations.