SOSMagJulySeptember2021

Richard Sherman is age 67 and a retired free-lance artist. He has painted signs in Detroit, public murals in Cleveland, contracted through the CETA program to train young people how to paint. He has also done silk screen and street art. He loves the outdoors and sees beauty in budding trees, the sky and running streams. He uses drawing, painting and photography to capture their splendor. Richard is a self-taught artist. Although he can paint with oil, acrylics and water color, he enjoys drawing the most. One of his favorite things to draw, is people. He got his start at Cedar Point, at age 15. He remembers drawing The Temptations, who were at the amusement park. “It was my best day, ever!” he said. Practicing art has therapeutic effects, too. It can elevate your mood. For Richard, “It makes me feel good. Having something (like creating art) to focus on is a good thing, when older.” When he is engrossed in his artwork, he feels gratified by the work and time doesn’t matter. Richard enjoys teaching those who want to learn. “My most memorable student was an elderly man named Sydney. “He was having difficulty drawing with angles and making things disappear into the distance. One day, I had him go into the hallway to draw. I didn’t realize this at the time, but he thought I was punishing him. After 10-15 minutes I went out in the hall to work with him. In minutes he picked up this artistic skill. After that, he sent me Christmas cards, every year, for eight years.” Having or developing an artistic interest is a healthy coping mechanism for a multitude of reasons. He wondered, how many of our readers spend their time sitting around thinking about the good-old days and fail to realize there are still good days, today.” Art can be that link to expand a person’s interests, circle of friends/ acquaintances; as well as, a way to foster conversation, interaction and enjoy a sense of belonging. For all of these reasons, Serving Our Seniors and the Sandusky City Recreation Department are experimenting with a 6 week, Beginners Intergenerational Drawing Class, taught by Richard Sherman. The first class started July 9 – August 13. Class size is limited to 20. No more than 10 children (age 10 or older) and 10 adults (age 60 or older). If it proves to be as beneficial as we hope, the class will be offered again in the future. Call our office to be placed on the waiting list, 419-624-1856 . 16