Silver Arts show highlights 50-plus abilities
By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
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HAMLET — Donna Luther stood over a framed cross stitch by Jean Honeycutt. Luther couldn’t help but be impressed.
“There’s so much talent in this county,” said Luther while standing inside the Cole Auditorium lobby, looking on as several dozen entries in the Silver Arts were judged and awarded blue, red or yellow ribbons.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Donna Luther takes a look at a cross-stitch pattern, 4 Seasons, completed by Jean Honeycutt.
Much of the 25th annual Senior Games, which started April 13 and closes April 27 except for women’s softball in Fayetteville, has focused on physical activity, skill and sometimes sheer luck. The Silver Arts, however, is an annual exhibit highlighting the creative side of Richmond County’s 50-plus population. In addition to the art exhibit, the performing arts element proved to be the hit of the night as more than a dozen acts were performed on stage and judged by a three-person panel that included Linda Bayless, Marcus Abernethy and Marcus McLaurin.
Luther, East Rockingham Senior Center director, herself had an entry in the art exhibit — an acrylic painting of a Native American peace pipe. She didn’t win. And that’s just fine by her in large part because she was still able to pursue a passion.
“I like the Indian artifacts,” Luther said.
Luther began painting only recently, as volunteer art instructor John Moore added to his weekly class schedule at Ellerbe Senior Center to the East Rockingham facility. Luther said Moore’s help has been a boon to the facility’s clients.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Like Luther’s painting, knitting has proven to be a therapy of sorts for Sharon Grov. Show wove a large quilt. Grov said she started it late last summer and finished it shortly after the New Year. It doesn’t take long, Grov said, but it does take getting into a groove.
“I have to get in the rhythm,” Grov said. “Once I get in the rhythm, I can keep going and going.”
Grov said knitting is a relaxing pastime.
“My husband says it’s cheaper than sending me to a psychiatrist,” Grov said. Asked if she’s serious, Grov didn’t hesitate. “My husband’s over there. Go ask him.”
The performing arts section inside the auditorium went off without a hitch with more than 100 spectators in the crowd. Each act was limited to three minutes — risking disqualification for going over. There were 17 acts scheduled, though some chose not to perform. Many participants pulled double and triple duty — or more — sometimes to help fill a gap, sometimes to keep the fun going.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
James Bailey ends his version of “God Bless the U.S.A.” with a wave of the American flag.
The Hamlet Senior Silver Liners opened the performances up by dancing to “Happy” while James Bailey followed with a rousing rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.”
The Ellerbee’s dance troupe moved to “Lips are Movin’,” and the Silver Meteors shook a tail feather to “I Don’t Need It.”
Sandra Hancock sang a soulful “Somebody’s Praying,” and the Hamlet 12 danced to “Chinese Checkers” before Azalea Bolton tap-danced to “Reuben,” high kick and all.
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