The Oak Lawn Park District is honored to have interviewed a long-term participant, Kathleen Fitzgerald better known as “Kate.” Fitzgerald has been part of our art program, Artistic Endeavors, for 11 years. This art program is hosted at the Oak View Center & Museum taught by Laurie Snaer.
Kate is a 91-year-old artist embarking on a new art journey with the largest canvas she has ever attempted. Using acrylic paint, she is tackling a four by five-foot canvas. We asked what prompted this project and this was her reply:
“I have been taking classes with Laurie for about 11 years. I have tried out different medias such as watercolor, watercolor pencils, charcoals, and acrylic paint. The largest painting I have done so far was 18×24. One of my sons requested a painting 4ftx6ft. Which I thought I could not do. Laurie and my classmates were very encouraging. It took me about a month to decide and now I am doing it. Laurie has been a huge help in finding pictures and suggestions. She has always helped with suggestions when I get stuck or finding solutions to whatever I need. I always look forward to seeing what my classmates are working on each week. Laurie is the best teacher, always full of great suggestions when needed.”
We are very excited to see her progression on her landscape artwork. During the interview, we asked what advice Kate would give to other artists, she replied, “Just experiment!” Encouraging every artist of any age just as her classmates inspire her.
