Inspired by art walks in Wilkes-Barre and Pittston, Masonic Village at Dallas’ Walther Apartments recently featured an Art Walk showcasing works by painter Charlotte Kindler and photographer Vi Gommer, both residents.

 

With the help of Carolyn Bosak, executive assistant, they plan to rotate new artists throughout the year. Carolyn has been decorating the building for years for different seasons and thought showcasing resident talents would be a nice, personal touch.

 

“I was impressed by both these residents’ talents, and I thought this was a way for residents to get to know their neighbors,” Carolyn said. “It also provided residents a wellness component – walking and positivity.”

 

At a friend’s suggestion, Charlotte took an art course at Luzerne County Community College to help her as she grieved the sudden loss of her husband. “A whole new world opened up for me,” she said. “The course was not only therapeutic for my grief, but it made me discover a talent I didn’t know I had. I was addicted. If I couldn’t sleep at night, I would paint into the wee hours of the morning.” Charlotte has entered pieces in art shows, winning awards and selling some of her work.

 

Vi has always enjoyed photography and has numerous albums of her work. She especially loves nature photography, and her collection includes local scenes and international ones. Alongside her husband, Chuck, a retired pastor, she led volunteer mission trips all over the world, including Africa, Russia, Haiti and Cuba, building clinics, churches and schools. Vi, a nurse, applied her nursing skills in clinics and taught staff, patients and families. Her photos have been showcased at The Lands at Hillside Farms, included in Mason Crest books and turned into framed art and the covers of blank note cards.

 

In addition to highlighting resident talents, Carolyn is also working on a contest where residents can submit a baby picture, which will be displayed for people to guess who is who. The person with the most correct guesses would receive a prize. For many residents who are young at heart, this is sure to be a fun challenge.