Ribbons surprise senior artists

Maria Flora, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·2 min read

May 1—Cathy VanArsdall was flabbergasted and Rebecca Battcher smiled from ear to ear when the two women learned that they'd won prizes for painting.

Each had taken only three watercolor painting lessons with Shirley Luttrell, who earned the best of show for her desert painting in the ninth annual Boone County Senior Services, Inc. Art and Photography Contest.

VanArsdall and Battcher entered their pieces on Wednesday and didn't know who won until they arrived at the reception. BCSSI Executive Director Anita Bowen ran over to hug each woman in turn.

Bowen said the judges especially enjoyed Battcher's use of color and the way she added dimension to her glass bottle of flowers.

VanArsdall whipped out her cell phone to photograph her painting of herbs and flower pots hanging on the gallery wall.

"My mother will be so excited," she said.

Dan Warkentien came along next, and his jaw dropped when he saw that he'd taken first place among the photo entries. Bowen hugged him, too.

Artists from the Sugar Creek Art Center judged the paintings, while an Indianapolis Art Guild photographer judged the photo entries.

Winners were unveiled during a reception Thursday on the third floor of the Lebanon Public Library, 104 E. Main St., Lebanon. Entries will remain on display in the library through May 25.

In the Amateur Painting division, VanArsdall of Lebanon took first, Kathy Leachman of Zionsville was second, and Battcher of Lebanon came in third.

In the category of Advanced Painting, Beth Hullinger of Lebanon was first, Dorothea Mickschl of Thorntown took second, and Connie VanTreese of Lebanon came in third.

For the Photography division, Warkentien of Lebanon came in first, Earl Dunbar of Lebanon was second, and Gary Deater of Lebanon was third.

The contest occurs in May in celebration of Older Americans' Month.

Each artist may enter one piece, and there is no entry fee. For complete contest rules or general inquiries for next year's contest, contact Bowen by calling 765-482-5220 or 317-873-8939 or by e-mailing to bcssi@booneseniors.org.

Boone County Senior Services, with offices in Lebanon and Zionsville, has been promoting independence and providing enriching opportunities for older adults in Boone County since 1978.

For more information, visit the website at www.booneseniors.org.