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Maria
While living at JCHE, Maria has been able to realize her girlhood dream. Growing up in Croatia with a yearning to study art, Maria faced two insurmountable obstacles: the need to help support her family, and her father’s unwillingness to allow her to paint models who weren’t fully clothed. So, she put the dream of being an artist on hold, planning to paint at a quieter time in her life. Maria’s paintbrushes were ignored while she spent years raising her family and working in an office. Her artistry was furthered delayed when her daughter asked her to come to America to help with childcare. Raising her grandchildren was a tremendous joy, but it left little time to paint. When she was in her 70s, Maria was finally able to dust off her easel. She took art classes at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and even sold some of her paintings. Eight years ago, Maria moved to Coleman House. Still a dynamo in her 90s, she reads constantly – both for her own enjoyment and to a sight-impaired neighbor. Time spent with her daughter’s family is still a priority. But, her favorite activity is the art that now consumes her life. Maria values her weekly art classes at JCHE, which she describes as even more stimulating and fruitful than those taken at the Museum. Her Coleman apartment becomes her studio where she can have the space to focus entirely on her vibrant creations. To Maria, art is essential to life and health. “When you’re doing something that feels good, it strengthens your whole system,” she explains. Judging by the gusto with which she lives her life, Maria’s art is just what the doctor ordered! |
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