Archive: Around Town

The Lansing Community Library Center held an opening reception to kick off an art show featuring work from local senior artists Tuesday. All but one of the artists are from Lansing, and most of the works were paintings. "We're showing "100 Ways to Retire -- Or Not.'," says organizer Janice Hagstrom.  "We thought this is a great way to retire, doing art work.  Your life does not end!"

The art and refreshments were accompanied by a recorder ensemble.  The Ithaca group, made up mostly of seniors, is led by Binghamton teacher and professional recorder player Barbara Kaufman.  Kaufman comes to Ithaca once a week to lead the group when they perform at the Clinton House.  They also play occasional concerts at Ithaca Festival, and at the hospice.
Hagstrom says that all but one of the artists are from Lansing, and that most are students of Barbara Hylwa, who also had work in the show, including boxes painted in striking 'eye' designs in acrylics.  Most of the exhibitors work in oil or acrylic, some draw in charcoal.  Hagstrom says most either live at Woodsedge, or are associated with it in some way, and  that most of the artists are still painting or drawing.  Hagstrom says she wishes  they all were.  "Wanda Brink's paintings are fabulous," she says.  "I wish she would do more."

Brink, whose painting of the old Ludlowville band stand hangs in the Town Hall, exhibited two oil paintings.  One is of a boat house and another a scenic view in the area, and both use vivid color and a sparkling sense of light.  "I took lessons from Glen Norris," she says.  "He was a Tompkins County clerk.  He has a cottage near Esty Hill with an art studio, and that's where I started."


Brink recalls that Lansing art shows used to be held in Myers Park.  But when two paintings were stolen the shows there ended.  She says she hasn't painted in some time, but was quite prolific when she did.  "I ran out of walls," she says.  "I like color."

At 7pm a showing of '101 Ways to Retire- or not....Active retirement in the 21st Century' began in the Town Hall. The film was produced by local film makers Sue Perlgut and Christopher Julian, who were present for a discussion after the screening.


Hagstrom says that she hopes the show encourages seniors to continue producing art.  "I would love to do this yearly," she says.  "If I can get enough people to exhibit I would love to do it."

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