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Seniors Learn The Basics Of Art

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2008

WESTCHASE - Art student Helen Rutledge prepared to bring her next masterpiece to paper by drawing a wine bottle.

She examined the size of the bottle's neck, the slope of its top and curves at the bottom. Her immediate mission was to sharpen her pencil and accurately depict the scale of the bottle on paper. But her overall goal was to sharpen her mind by honing her art skills.

Rutledge is one of a dozen students attending a new basic drawing class at Aston Gardens in Westchase. The class is part of a new partnership between the senior living community and The Life Enrichment Center to offer a range of classes.

The Enrichment Center is a private nonprofit organization that offers classes for adults. Classes, which include art, writing and dance, are taught by certified instructors.

The Aston Gardens partnership will be the third for the center. Satellite classes also are held at the Museum of Science & Industry and the Tampa Museum of Art.

The center started offering its first round of classes this month with the Beginning Drawing sessions. The class is open to the seniors living at Aston Gardens and to anyone else interested in attending.

"This is a great opportunity to learn, have new experiences and keep your mind sharp," said Ronna Metcalf, executive director for the Life Enrichment Center.

About 15 attended the drawing class. It teaches the basics of art, such as perspective, contour, texture and composition. Instructor Tim Gibbons instructs the students using easy-to-understand terms and hands-on practice, even doling out homework.

"Any person can learn art, no matter their age," Gibbons said. "I just teach them skills to love and understand art."

Rutledge said she likes Gibbons' approach.

"I studied art ages ago in college, but I've learned so much more here," she said. "He really puts it in terms you can understand is very encouraging."

Beth Leto, director of community relations, said the partnership brings many benefits to her Aston residents.

"It expands the range of classes we already offer and allows our residents to interact with other community members who attend the classes," she said.

LEARN TO DRAW

For information about registering for classes, visit www .lifeenrichmenttampa.org or call (813) 932-0241.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523. To see more photos about the drawing class, go to north west.tbo.com.

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