An exhibit of artworks by TSCArts participants. The artists are showcasing Abstract artwork in all mediums.
To purchase a piece or if you would like more information about the TSArts Program, please contact heathhilary.mcrae@talgov.com.
To register for art classes, please visit: www.tallahasseeseniorfoundation.org/art-classes
Click on the images below to view a larger version of each piece. Enjoy!
Participating Artists:
Maria Barker, Joyce Bastian, Carly Brady, Jeanine Czaja-Mordon, Judy Fongheiser, Thomas Friedman, Rachel McAllister, Thomas Mitas, Joyce Raichelson, Carol Skuthan, Jennifer Vrynios, Jackie Lloyd
Abstract art was a true stretch for Tom, and that was exactly the point. Always eager to try new approaches, he embraced the challenge of stepping outside his comfort zone.
“Red Flowers” began with a bold yellow background. From there, the composition evolved intuitively. What first felt uncertain gradually became a field, then red blooms emerged at its center. Curling weeds, layered color, and loose forms developed organically as Tom responded to the painting in real time. The result is an impressionistic abstract landscape anchored by vivid red flowers rising from a luminous field.
Tom hopes viewers immediately notice that striking contrast, red against yellow, and appreciate the expressive simplicity of the piece.
Creativity has been with him since childhood. His mother saved a finger painting from kindergarten, and in high school he once threw multiple colors of paint onto a basement wall with his father’s blessing, unknowingly creating his first abstract work.
After raising a family, art took a back seat, but at 75 a new easel rekindled his dedication. Today, painting, drawing, and sculpting are simply what he loves to do. His advice to others: “Just do it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Have fun — even the mistakes can be ‘happy accidents.’”
Jackie Lloyd, “Segries Provence”, Acrylic
Jackie’s abstract work was inspired by an artist retreat in Provence, where she painted within the walls of an old monastery surrounded by ancient stonework and wild lavender. The contrast between weathered stone and delicate rosemary and lavender sprays became the foundation for “Segries Provence.”
Though typically a detail-oriented, realistic painter, Jackie challenged herself to capture the feeling of the setting rather than its literal appearance. Translating real textures into abstract representation required her to loosen control and embrace suggestion over precision.
She hopes viewers feel the same peace and beauty she experienced while creating the work.
Jackie began painting after retiring in 2016, inspired in part by a lively Painting-with-a-Twist outing gifted by her daughter. What started as fun quickly became a serious creative outlet. She values the guidance and encouragement of her instructor, Debbie Gaedtke, and the friendships formed in class. Her advice: let go, have fun, and don’t expect perfection, improvement comes with time.
Rachel McCallister, “Mardis Gras Cat”, Watercolor and Mixed Media
Rachel’s “Mardis Gras Cat” is both personal and expressive. Inspired by Sam, a Siamese cat she fostered and later adopted, the piece reflects her long-standing connection to animals. Cats, in particular, feel mysterious and spiritual to her, creatures with quiet wisdom and otherworldly presence.
The painting blends watercolor and collage, pushing Rachel beyond her comfort zone. While naturally drawn to abstraction, she challenged herself to combine media and resist overworking the piece, learning when to step back and let the artwork breathe.
She hopes viewers feel her love for the subject and are drawn in by its layered textures and expressive energy.
Art has always been part of Rachel’s life. After a career in computer graphics and years devoted to family, she returned to painting in retirement. What initially felt humbling, even intimidating, soon became a rediscovery. With encouragement from her teacher, Debra Lachter, she has rebuilt confidence and fallen in love with creating all over again.
Today, she paints almost daily. “It’s not just something I do,” she says. “It’s part of who I am.” Her message to others: it’s never too late to begin, and the sense of accomplishment is worth it.
Carly Brady, “Urban Square”, Acrylic
Carly’s “Urban Square” was born from movement rather than planning. Layers of color, rhythm, and structure built upon one another until a cityscape quietly emerged. The piece reflects the tension between connection and isolation often felt in urban spaces.
Experimentation drove the work. Using a new technique, she wasn’t sure would succeed, Carly allowed uncertainty to become part of the painting’s energy. That willingness to trust the process gave the piece its vitality.
She hopes viewers experience a sense of movement and stillness at once, something alive, open, and safe.
Creative for as long as she can remember, Carly sees art as an act of expression she continually chooses. Through classes at the Senior Center, she has discovered that growth comes from trying, not knowing, and trusting the process. Her encouragement to others: “Come as you are. Let yourself be a beginner, that’s a beautiful place to start.”
