Tim Williams, art teacher at Honeoye Central School District, found an opportunity for his students to make a difference in the community and truly connect them in a meaningful way with older adults. For the third year running, the Tim Williams Portraiture Project at Quail Summit is bringing together the generations to find the beauty and character of the human being. The Portraiture Project has expanded to over 20 students this year.
The project started in February when Williams and his students arrived at Quail Summit to meet with older adults whose images they will capture in painted portraits. Williams said, “I am thrilled to have so many enthusiastic students interested in meeting, and painting portraitures of the Quail Summit Residents, in our 3rd year more students are asking to get involved in this art/community service activity. We have nine Honeoye students who have participated last year, and two who have painted portraitures in the first and second year, along with a number of first year painters, Sophomores, and two students from Honeoye Falls Lima.”
In addition to the efforts of the painting students, Maddie Faraut along with her film crew from Rochester Institute of Technology will be creating a full-scale documentary of the Portraiture Project.
Gloria Harrington, Executive Director at Quail Summit said, “This continues to be one of the highlights of our year. It is a wonderful, fun learning project for both the residents and students. A handful of the students have maintained their friendships with residents over the years.”
Residents at Quail Summit are talking about the Portraiture Project. Janet Read, resident and retired teacher said, “I hadn’t had a good talk with a teenager in a long time. I had such fun hearing all about school.”
Mary V. Crowley – Aunt Ginny added, “The enthusiasm of the young people is like an injection that feels so good. Mr. Williams is to be congratulated on his manner and the educational contributions to his students.”
Al Talke, who was painted in the first year of the project chose to be painted again this year because he enjoyed the personal aspects of the project. Talke said, “I decided to do it again to see how much the project has grown and because I enjoyed meeting the students and their family. It is very personal to see the artists’ point of view radiate in their work.”
The students will unveil the completed portraits to the “models,” with their friends and family at an art exhibit at Quail Summit at 5102 Parrish Street Extension, Canandaigua on Tuesday, March 26th at 6:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
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