PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook Agency on Aging will exhibit the work of Mapleton artist Susanne Hay in June as part of the Artists for Aging initiative. Hay will present a large selection of her works, as well as greeting cards, keychains and candles, during an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 2.
Hay, who started painting seriously three years ago, has created over 100 paintings and hopes to paint many more.
“In April of 2020 our office was told to shut down and I didn’t know when I would be going back to work. To fill my days and ease my mind I decided I would try to paint. I loved how the ocean and sky colors just blended so easily and beautifully on the stretch canvas and the acrylic paint was so vibrant. I was hooked and I haven’t stopped,” she said.
Hay has promoted her works at various craft shows and has enjoyed positive feedback. The demanding schedule has also had an added benefit; it has presented the opportunity to spend quality time with family.
“My youngest daughter Teri and I started going to the local arts and crafts fairs in the county. I am very fortunate to have my daughter helping me with the setup and taking things down and all the lugging she has to do. It’s all part of being in the craft shows and we love it. It has brought the two of us closer than ever before,” she said.
The pair has expanded their offerings to greeting cards featuring Sue’s paintings along with homemade all-natural soy candles. Hay has also started making unique keychains with vinyl on acrylic which has been a lot of fun. “I am very excited to see everyone and share my art,” Hay added.
The artist lives in Mapleton with her husband, Bill, and they have three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The June 2 Artists for Aging event, held during Presque Isle’s First Friday Art Walk, is free and open to the public. Artists exhibiting works at the Agency on Aging agree to donate 20 percent of their sales to support its programs and services.
For more information, please call 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or email to info@aroostookaging.org. The office is located at 260 Main Street in Presque Isle.
The mission of the Aroostook Agency on Aging is to improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of older people in our communities. Since 1973, the agency has served as a resource, helping people to access information and services, while also advocating to assure the rights we all value are respected.
