When the retirement living area in Sewickley opened in spring 2003, resident Ed Ryan became the first member of the Art Association. Today, Bro. Ryan shares his love of art with 15 other residents who have since become members of the art group.

The Art Association meets Tuesday mornings for a "paint and schmooze" session. During these gatherings, members discuss and demonstrate techniques while they work on individual projects, such as acrylics, oils, watercolors, pastels and some woodcarving.

According to Will White, Art Association member and editor of the group's newsletter, members have expressed an interest in formal instruction sessions. Two residents, one of whom is a former art teacher, have offered to teach classes. The local Sweetwater Center for the Arts is interested in offering classes to residents, and another project is underway to bring in local professional artists to do demonstrations.

Several members of the group also socialize outside of their weekly meetings by visiting local galleries and art events together.

For Mr. White, art is a fascinating pastime. "(Art provides) a chance to react to the world around you - to possess a moment in time," Mr. White said. "For instance, by painting a landscape or a flower or a grandchild... The fascination is enhanced by becoming aware of how others react to the same kind of stimuli, be they old masters, your neighbors or some local area artists. It's an interest still further compounded by the realization that art is something that is almost limitless in its potential for exploration, and, yet, it is an activity that you can pursue at almost any level, from the very private to the very social, and at an intensity that can vary from a casual 'Sunday afternoon' diversion to a totally absorbing hobby."

Residents who enjoy creating and/or viewing art are encouraged to participate in the Art Association. "The consensus is that the association should be devoted to encouraging anyone with an interest in art," Mr. White said. "This can mean anything from actually making art to just the enjoyment of looking at it and learning about its history and current trends."

To discover the beauty of the Art Association, drop by the Art Studio in Sewickley on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Sewickley resident and Art Association member Ed Ryan works on a project in the Art Studio.