A Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center resident’s artwork has been featured in a calendar devoted to showcasing the artwork of seniors throughout the state.
The painting by Aune Kangas, 96, formerly a New Ipswich resident, was the first – and potentially last – painting she will compose.
“It’s a surprise, I never thought I could do anything like that,” Kangas said. “… I thought it was pretty good for a beginner.”
Kangas’ painting – a red, orange, and yellow sunset – serves as the artwork for the month of August 2019 in the New Hampshire Health Care Association’s (NHHCA) annual Member Masterpiece Calendar.
Every year, 13 pieces of art are selected from nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state for the calendar, NHHCA’s Director of Communications Kristen Schmidt said. Every year there are about 50 to 70 pieces submitted according to Schmidt.
“So many people think that just because you are moving into a facility, they think that’s the end,” Schmidt said. “We want to show people that isn’t the truth, its just the next phase in someone’s life. They still have so much to give to the community – that we can learn from and that they want to share.”
Kangas said she composed the painting in 2016 during an art class offered at Good Shepherd. Kangas’ painting was inspired by a photograph clipped for a magazine.
“That was the first time I had painted something,” Kangas said. “… we had a stack of pictures and I chose the easiest one.”
Kangas is unsure if she will paint again, due to her deteriorating eyesight. Kangas said she cannot read anymore.
Kangas’ son William said many family members were surprised to hear that her painting had been featured in a calendar, especially given her lack of experience.
“It was totally unexpected,” William Kangas said. “When I saw the painting – we live on the west coast and I only see her one or two times a year – I was amazed. I thought, wow, how did you do this?”
Anyone interested in purchasing a calendar can email info@nhhca.org. Each calendar is $5.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com.