Some people might get stuck in their ways, but not Marjorie Clarke. She continues learning new skills and experiencing life—even at the youthful age of 98 years!
Once a week, she travels to Vivian Fisk’s art studio for private acrylics lessons. Mrs. Clarke sits patiently while Vivian sets up the easel and arranges paints on the palette. An iPad frames the reference photograph of a jaunty blue jay perched on a branch.
Mrs. Clarke takes up her brush, daintily dabs it in green, and makes gentle strokes on the canvas. This activity provides social interaction, hand exercise, and intellectual challenges with creating.
Her instructor loves being able to provide therapeutic opportunities. “I offer classes for seniors, autistic children, and even enrichment for kids in a karate workshop,” Vivian said.
Both women share a strong faith. “God is my inspiration,” Vivian said. “He was the first artist who did all creation, and He blesses us with understanding to provide healing and joy.”
When asked for her secret to almost 100 years of life, Mrs. Clarke smiled, then said, “A good upbringing and good food.”
She is fortunate to have her daughter nearby. “Mom has lived almost a century and seen the ice box change to the refrigerator and home milk deliveries go to pasteurized milk,” said Angela Birdsong. “I admire how she is still very aware of current affairs and able to converse about them.”
Mrs. Clarke trained as a child to become a classical pianist with instructors from Carnegie Hall and still plays. She likes jazz too.
Her upbeat tempo sets a wonderful pace for life. After her hour-long art class, she is off to run errands with her driver. “You might think she’d be going home after this,” Meruben Tatis said about her employer. “But no. We are going shopping now. Mrs. Clarke is amazing.”
Today’s Bible Verse:
“And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life,” (1 Kings 3:14 NIV).
Resource link for benefits of art for seniors:
https://americareinfo.com/articles/8-benefits-of-art-therapy-for-seniors/
