Agency on Aging gallery features father-daughter paintings in November

Lisa Desjardins and John Holub return to the Aroostook Agency on Aging in Presque Isle in November to showcase some never-before-seen paintings as well as an assortment of other works. John Holub’s oil painting “Autumn Gold”, features an old shed that stood in the corner of his Westfield property that housed many of our animals over the years, including his daughter Lisa’s beloved sheep enjoying the fresh grass. (Contributed photo)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Westfield painters Lisa Desjardins and John Holub return in November to the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 260 Main Street with a variety of recent works and many favorites from  throughout their careers.

Father and daughter will be in attendance and available to discuss their work and creative inspirations  during the Nov. 3 First Friday Art Walk from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Artists for Aging gallery. 

Self-taught, Holub first started creating from his Westfield studio offering pen-and-ink renderings. Now, he paints in watercolor, gauche, and oil with an occasional pen-and-ink in the mix. Many of his originals are offered in print form. Holub has painted in Italy, the Caribbean, Georgia, and Florida to name but a few locations. And, of course, he continues to paint Maine’s woods and waters. 

Desjardins has been painting for some 30 years, beginning in the medium of watercolor and expanding into pastel and oil. Also self-taught, she first began her painting journey while living in Maryland. Her move back to Aroostook County fueled her desire to paint. 

Her works include various County scenes from farm to flowers, beloved pets to wildlife. “I find it very  rewarding to paint a portrait for someone and see the love and joy in their eyes at the unveiling of the  finished piece,” she said. 

“Another love I have is to capture the glow of a sunrise or sunset on an Aroostook County landscape. The play of sunbeams and shadows in the clouds and across the ground are a fascinating thing to paint,  and the feeling of peace one feels when viewing such a scene – you can’t beat it!,” Desjardins added. 

Both artists see the Artists for Aging program as a way to connect people in the community who have a  spark in their hearts for creativity. “The ‘Artists for Aging’ program will offer area artists of all ages the opportunity to help promote art and support fellow artists here at the Agency on Aging. What a great opportunity,” Holub said. 

Those exhibiting works as part of “Artists for Aging” have generously donated 20 percent of their sales to support programs and services offered by Aroostook Agency on Aging. The November 3 Artists for Aging event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Agency on Aging at 207-764- 3396 or 1-800-439-1789.