The event that highlights Cummings Centre’s talented artists and artisans returns to the virtual stage on Thursday June 9, 2022 at 5 pm. Art Eclectic, the second annual virtual gallery, offers over 80 students the opportunity to showcase some 135 works, the culmination of their year long efforts in painting and crafting produced through their courses during the pandemic.

This year’s show includes portraits, landscapes, interiors, abstracts, still life as well as polymer clay jewellery, collage and tole painting.  Students range from beginners to more seasoned artists and artisans with many taking several classes at a time.

“Over the past year, our teachers and students rose to the challenge of continuing to meet, socialize and create together in the online classroom,” says Patricia Kehler, fine arts supervisor at the Cummings Centre. “We are proud to present their amazing achievements.”

Since she retired some 10 years ago, Margaret Douek Ellner has been pursuing a lifelong passion, participating in fine arts classes at the Cummings Centre. “The art show is an opportunity to see what is being created by fellow students who share the same passion,” said Ellner. “We applaud our fellow artists and artisans for their participation in the art show and look forward to seeing the accomplishments of others.”

Ellner’s recent work features an acrylic painting inspired from a photo that was taken of her granddaughter flying a kite on the shores of Lake Ontario. “Cummings Centre teachers inspire us on a variety of subjects,” notes Ellner. “I choose my grandchildren or photos of places I visited to be the subject of my art.”

Barbara Zavalkoff has been active at the Cummings Centre over the years, planning programs and participating in a variety of classes including current events, music and the rock n’ soul choir. More recently, her interests in art led her to classes in abstract painting, portraiture and jewelry making.

“It is fantastic to participate once again in the art show,” said Zavalkoff who recently took a course in abstract art. “Having been online, it will be great to see what other students have worked on as well. I look forward to the diversity of work and talent and to see the positive results. It is the sense of accomplishment and the progress that we have made that inspires us.”

Spring summer programs are well underway at the Cummings Centre with a number of in-person fine arts and craft classes available to complement the online selection. Kehler notes the unique spirit at Cummings where new and innovative programs are developed on a consistent basis.

The Art Eclectic 2022 launch will take place Thursday June 9, 2022 from 5 – 6:30 pm online. Bring your own wine & cheese and enjoy our Virtual Gallery Launch! The expo of student works will also be available for viewing online for an extended period. For more information visit cummingscentre.org or call 514-343-3510.

The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people on an annual basis. 

For more information, please contact us by phone at 514-343-3510, online at www.cummingscentre.org or in person at 5700 Westbury Avenue.