DAPHNE, Ala. — Catherine Place, a subsidiary of Mercy Medical, held its first art show featuring the works of its residents on Sept. 17, thanks to Bay Rivers Art Guild.

BRAG volunteer art teachers, Marilyn Ammons, whose mother,  Ida Myers, resides at Catherine Place, and Susie Wallace began teaching watercolor techniques to residents in September 2007.

Ammons expressed that, “The residents have worked so hard and were so excited to see their artwork displayed. Their families and friends were so impressed and awed by the artwork their loved ones had painted.”

The show consisted of 29 contributing artists expressing themselves in the form of watercolor. Each artist was profiled with a picture and a short quote about their experiences with the watercolor activities, as well as eight to 10 pieces of his/her paintings.

“Our watercolor class gives the residents the opportunity to socialize and do something creative each week. The art room is filled with laughter that distracts us from our problems, both artistic and personal,” noted Wallace.

Chris Hartsfield, a celebrated  watercolor artist of the Eastern Shore, and his wife, Linda, donated all the matting for the artwork. He also provided display walls for hanging the paintings for the Art Walk. Linda’s mother, Betsy Leyser, is a resident at Catherine Place.

Resident Bill Lauten says, “Everyone enjoys it so much, and we each have our own style of painting. Most of the residents agree that watercolor time is the most relaxing time of the week.”

BRAG has utilized Catherine Place among other venues to display its members’ artwork as part of their outreach program-which adds beauty to the volunteering venue, and enables BRAG members to display their work publicly for purchase.

Additional outreach locations include Thomas Medical Center, Bay Coffee Shop and the Daphne library.

If your business or organization would appreciate beautiful art for display, call BRAG at (251) 621-0659 for more information.