There is something quietly magical about watching someone discover—or rediscover—their creative voice. This past Saturday afternoon, that magic was on full display as family, friends, neighbors, and community leaders gathered at SPARC Centre Gallery to celebrate the opening of The Creative Life, an inspiring exhibition of artwork created by members of the South Pasadena Senior Center’s Watercolor Painting Group.
Presented by the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) in partnership with the South Pasadena Senior Center, the exhibition shines a spotlight on the remarkable talent of sixteen local artists whose paintings fill the gallery with vibrant landscapes, delicate florals, colorful still lifes, and imaginative works inspired by everyday life. More than an art exhibition, The Creative Life is a celebration of lifelong learning, friendship, and the joy that creativity brings to our community.
The opening reception was filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation for the artists and their work. Guests enjoyed refreshments while mingling with the exhibiting artists, their families, SPARC board members, City Councilman Michael Cacciotti, and members of the South Pasadena community, all gathered to recognize the important role the arts play in enriching lives at every age.
“So much talent and lovely pieces of art,” marveled SPARC board member, Tracy Macrum. “Our board member, Kat, did an amazing job hanging the exhibit. It looked very professional.”
The exhibit also highlights the invaluable work of the South Pasadena Senior Center, a true cornerstone of the community where older adults come together to learn, connect, and thrive. Through programs like the Friday afternoon Watercolor Painting Group, seniors are encouraged to explore new skills, express themselves creatively, and build lasting friendships.
Volunteer co-facilitators Cheryl St. George and Susan McCarty have guided the group for more than four years, fostering an environment where artists of every experience level feel welcomed and inspired.
“Since the inception of our watercolor painting class over four years ago, there’s never been a Friday afternoon spent at the South Pasadena Senior Center that didn’t engender feelings of mutual appreciation, inspiration, and fulfillment for every artist participant,” said St. George. “I’ve heard it said, ‘I can’t wait for Friday to come. It makes my week.’ It’s a sentiment echoed by both Susan and me.”
That sense of connection is evident throughout the exhibition. Each painting tells its own story, while together they reflect something even larger—the confidence that grows through encouragement, the friendships formed around a shared passion, and the enduring belief that creativity has no age limit.
Featured artists include Mary Green, Diane Harris, Jill Keller, Linda Kubo, Denise Leiler, Carolyn Lowstuter, Susan McCarty, Gail Meltzer, Sandra Mena, Barbara Montague, Harry J. Portillo, Elsy G. Portillo, Rebecca Quiroz, Larry Reed, Kathrin Richards, Cheryl St. George, and Joyce Wiedewau.
The Creative Life will remain on view through July 29 at SPARC Centre Gallery, located behind the Fremont Centre Theatre at 1000 Fremont Avenue, Suite 120. The gallery is open July 14, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, and 29 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Whether you’re an art lover, a supporter of local artists, or simply looking for an uplifting way to spend an afternoon, The Creative Life offers a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to create something meaningful—and that some of life’s richest masterpieces are painted one brushstroke, one friendship, and one Friday afternoon at a time.
