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An Afternoon of Art
Glass Murals Beautify the Walls of Vintage Shores Senior Apartments
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February 1, 2010, San Clemente, CA ̶ The
senior artists of Vintage Shores Senior Apartments presented an afternoon reception
on January 26, 2010 to showcase their artwork created in the on-site Glass
Fusion Art Class. The much anticipated
event of the show, was the unveiling of two colorful murals, which will remain
on display for the entire Vintage Shores community to enjoy. The senior artists received high praise for
their creativity from fellow residents and community members. Staff from Life Skills Training and
Educational Programs, Inc. (LifeSTEPS), the social service provider to this
community,  has been working with artist Tim Harlan (right) to bring this weekly program
to the residents of Vintage Shores since July, 2008. San Clemente City Council Member Lori Donchak
(right) attended the reception to demonstrate her support along with Victor Nelson (right), Director
for the Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation, the agency responsible for granting the funds
that make this program possible.
 Due to the initial success of the Glass Fusion Art
Class, the Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation provided the additional funding that made
it possible for the artists to continue working together to design and create these
two glass murals. Created by nine of the class participants, the murals California Palms and San Clemente Pier were unveiled
with much excitement and ceremony. Building on techniques learned from smaller projects, the
murals are representative of the residents' artistic ability, team working
skills, and community pride.
Evie
Garcia, LifeSTEPS Director of Social Services remarked, "The
residents are very proud of their work. They enjoy participating in the class, learning new forms of art, and
making gifts for their families. Additionally, the residents have expressed how
grateful t hey are to have such a wonderful class available to them on-site." This class has created an opportunity for
seniors to challenge themselves to learn new skills and their completed artwork
is a tangible display of their success. One
artist commented, "[the class] is very
different and I don't think I would have sought it out on my own, but I am very
grateful for this class because it has been very therapeutic for me." The senior artists will continue to produce beautiful works of art in the class through June,
2010.
The Glass Fusion Art Class at
Vintage Shores Senior Apartments is just one example of the community building
activities made possible through partnerships facilitated by LifeSTEPS. LifeSTEPS is a nonprofit, charitable
organization that provides professional social and supportive services to
35,000 individuals living in 140 affordable housing properties throughout
California. As a provider of wrap
around services LifeSTEPS offers confidential case management, youth programs,
educational opportunities and community building activities, such as this,
designed to help low income residents successfully maintain and enjoy
housing.
LifeSTEPS gratefully acknowledges the support of the Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation as well as the attentive
teaching of artist Tim Harlan.
Image 1: Artist Tim Harlan, City Council Member Lori
Donchak and Victor Nelson admire San Clemente Pier, Courtesy of LifeSTEPS staff.
Image 2: Glass Fusion Art Class artists, California
Palms, 2009, Courtesy of LifeSTEPS staff.
Image 3: Glass Fusion Class Artist with her artwork, Courtesy of LifeSTEPS
staff.
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