Annual Showcase Celebrates Watercolors, Acrylics and Creative Expression
For more than 20 years,Callao artist Pam Bowers has shared her passion for painting with students at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury. She jokes that she is older than some of her retired students, but this labor of love is one she has no plans to give up.
Throughout October, RWC artists will fill Gallery Hall with their work. The annual fall exhibition is a favorite tradition for resident artists, friends across campus and members of the local community.
“Most residents will display watercolors, but one has really embraced acrylics—and I’m all for it,” Bowers said. “She has been exploring the medium for some time and is doing wonderful work.”
The class meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m., giving residents the freedom to choose subjects that inspire them.
“Many students paint from their own photographs, especially landscapes,” Bowers said. “One new student is creating flower paintings, including a miniature of a single bloom. She really knows her flowers. Another is painting from photographs of people she knows.”
Some students have studied with Bowers nearly as long as she has taught at RWC. The class continues year-round, pausing only when Bowers is away.
“Even when I travel to California to visit family, the class time stays reserved so students can continue using the art room,” Bowers said.
On those trips, Bowers stays with her brother-in-law in Salinas, where spectacular backyard sunsets become irresistible subjects for her own paintings.
“His home sits high enough that you can almost see the ocean,” she said. “The sunsets are breathtaking, and I usually return with at least two paintings. I can’t resist them.”
Bowers begins with group demonstrations of painting techniques, then works one-on-one with students throughout each class. Artists of every skill level are welcome to explore new techniques, enjoy the creative process and develop their own style and inspiration.
The exhibition features work by RWC residents Judy Tulis, Helen Woolfolk, Dr. Ida Hill, Pat Morris, Maxine Luxton and Celeste Helm. The community is invited to visit Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury’s Gallery Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout October.
