Portraits of Elders: People Who Inspire

The July show at Vashon Allied Arts Gallery opens on Friday, July 5, and poses the question "What is the definition of the word "elder"? The five artists in the show explore this question and their answers are as varied as the portraits they created for Portraits of Elders: People Who Inspire.
 
People who attend the exhibit will recognize many – if not most – of the faces in the portraits. They may also learn something new about individuals they see every day.
 
The concept for the show started with Vashon painter Olivia Pendergast, who was inspired by hearing nationally recognized author and storyteller Michael Meade speak about the cultural importance of elders. For Pendergast, the word "elder" means something much more subtle than a chronological age or a list of accomplishments.
 
"It’s about the feelings an elder inspires in others," said Pendergast. "I’m intrigued by the vibrant interaction between elders and other members of the community."
 
From highly detailed pencil drawings by Bruce Morser to exuberant oil paintings by Pam Ingalls, the show will explore the many faces that inspire us every day. For the artists, exploring the concept of elder was a welcome opportunity. They had to grapple with their own definitions – and stereotypes – of elders and to think about those people in the Vashon community who have influenced their lives.
 
According to watercolorist Donna Botten, "It was a gift to be asked to paint people in my community that have given of themselves to this Island and to all those that they touch. The show gave me permission to concentrate on what I love most – to paint portraits."
 
The show will also include works by painter William Forrester, who found great joy in the process of working with his subjects. "What a terrific opportunity! I got to invite myself into people’s homes, sit down and have a chat." For Forrester, elders are those who embody the role of teacher, mentor or counselor. "To be Elders, folks don’t need to have white hair; they need to have a strong, optimistic, joyful approach to life."
 
The opening reception will be preceded at 5:30 pm by Michael Meade, who has spent much of his career exploring the influence of elders within cultures around the globe. Meade’s presentation will be a free-flowing mixture of poetry, song, storytelling and percussion.