Crest Crest Watercolor Art Exhibit Opens on Campus

A new art exhibit showcasing the work of Cedar Crest Retirement Community’s Art Group opened on July 8 in the Belmont Gallery on campus. The exhibit will be on display until September 1 and features more than 20 original watercolors by resident artists.

Fifteen years ago resident Roy Kucks, now deceased, began the watercolor classes at Cedar Crest. Phyllis O’Reilly is now coordinating the art activities in the Village Square Craft Room. The watercolor groups meet to paint together, offer suggestions, and occasionally watch a film on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. On Thursday afternoons O’Reilly, along with Winnie O”Dougherty, welcome newcomers to watercolor for beginning instruction. On Fridays, the studio is open to artists of all media. They use oils, acrylic, pastel, collage, and watercolor.

“The sharing of ideas, talents, creativity and encouragement are the hallmark of this experience,” said O’Reilly. “There is great camaraderie as artists kindly critique and support each other in the artistic endeavors.”

“It is a wonderful activity,” said Helen Greenberg, a retired early childhood teacher who moved to Cedar Crest two years ago from Rockland County. Greenberg’s passion for painting was launched 20 years ago when she took in her first watercolor painting class at Rockland Center for the Arts.

The exhibit includes stunning paintings of landscapes, boats, lakes, farms, florals, and street scenes.

Cedar Crest is one of 18 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. The scenic 104-acre campus is located in Pompton Plains, New Jersey and is home to over 2,000 residents and more than 180 resident-run clubs and group. For more information, visit ericksonliving.com.

Photo 1: Cedar Crest residents Helen Greenberg and Virginia Truslow with their artwork.

Photo 2: Cedar Crest resident Eli Rosenthal's painting “Rain Drops are Falling”