Annual Exhibition Features Watercolors, Acrylics
Callao resident and local artist Pam Bowers has been teaching an art class at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury for more than 20 years and although she jokes that she’s older than some of her retired students, it’s a labor of love that she’s not ready to give up just yet.
Seven RWC artists will have their work on display during October in RWC’s Gallery Hall. It’s an annual fall tradition that resident artists and their friends on campus and throughout the local community look forward to every year.
“Most of the residents will display watercolors,” Bowers said. “But one resident has really gravitated to acrylics and I’m Ok with that. She’s been experimenting with that painting technique for some time now and is doing a good job.”
The class is held at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and residents choose their subject matter.
“A lot of the students use their own photographs, and many are of landscapes,” Bowers said. “I have a new student who is working on flower paintings including a single flower miniature. She knows her flowers really well. Another is working from photographs of people she knows.”
Some of Bowers students have been taking her class almost from the first day she started at RWC. The class runs consistently throughout the year unless the teacher is on vacation.
“I’m going out to California for five weeks where most of my family lives,” Bowers said. “But students are still welcome to come into the art room and work because that time is reserved for the class.”
Bowers stays with her brother-in-law in Salinas when she goes out west and paints the stunning sunsets in Monterey.
“His home sits up high, and you can almost see the ocean,” she said. “The sunsets are absolutely gorgeous, and I end up with at least two paintings when I stay out there. I can’t resist it.”
In class, Bowers uses group demonstrations to show various painting techniques but then works with the students on an individual basis throughout each class. Students of all skill levels are welcome. The class is focused on enjoyment and technique and allows each student to find their own style and inspiration.
Works by RWC residents Judy Tulis, Helen Woolfolk, Dr. Ida Hill, Sylvia Prince, Pat Morris, Maxine Luxton, and Marilyn Riggs will be on display. The local community is invited to view the exhibition 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily throughout October in Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury’s Gallery Hall.