Carol M. deMedina to be Soirée featured Artist Wednesday Nov. 13
The Rossmoor Art Association welcomes all to its Artist Soirée in the Fireside Room at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, where resident Carol Medina will show her paintings, sculpture, and mixed media and engage in conversation with artist and instructor Anna George. Audience Q&A will follow. Wine and cake will be served.
The evening begins with classical music performed by Rosemarie Krovoza on viola and Meriel Ennick on flute while attendees can view many of the artist’s pieces displayed in this one-evening-only pop-up gallery.
Medina’s show will feature several large paintings on panels with sweeping strokes and layers of texture. Some appear like rippled fabric, at times producing rough-looking, combed surfaces which contrast at times with her soothing tones. Sweeping strokes predominate; a viewer might find symbolism in the pieces or find suggestions of images in her abstract compositions.
Carol Medina is a Michigan native who spent her childhood in a rural setting. Her exposure to the arts came in the form of typical handicrafts. As a high school student she produced art for the school newspaper and became president the art club.
On graduating it was Medina’s intention to pursue her livelihood in art, enrolling in classes at Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids. There, she studied drawing, art history, printmaking and especially design. However, a field trip to a graphic design studio discouraged her because the work appeared painstaking and boring.
Medina left school and looked for an avenue that included art and found the answer by pursuing a teaching education. She elected to take one art course just for fun. The aroma of oil paints spelled “home” for her and motivated her to take all the art courses available.
Transferring to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo allowed Medina to run the gamut in visual arts courses, including textiles. She truly loved it and excelled, sometimes working through the night on projects and assignments. Her teaching certificate led to a Masters in teaching art with an emphasis on sculpture and art history.
Medina’s next move was to Mexico to be with her future husband, Javier. She first taught English, then became a consultant in art education for the American School. She helped teachers teach, and occasionally taught alongside them. Carol and Javier had two children, with Carol becoming a full-time mom.
When both children were teenagers, Medina created an art studio at her home, and offered art classes for ages 5-75. She did this for 20 years, having as many as 50 students a week.
For a special project Medina shot scores of color photos of forest blooms and lake scenes. Her photo collection of one hundred images appear in a book called “Las Flores Silvestres,” published by the ecology wing of Mexico’s State Department.
On Javier’s death, Carol returned to the states where her children reside. After visiting her daughter in San Francisco she chose Rossmoor as her new home in 2018.
The evening soiree is open to all Rossmoor residents, who may enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with a sweet or savory bite and perhaps be moved to join the RAA for its many educational and exhibition activities, including classes, workshops and more soirees throughout the year.
Visit rossmoorart.com to discover an array of art classes, events, and a calendar inviting residents to participate in a robust and active community. Visit recently remodeled Studios 1 & 2, which currently have exhibits in showcases, and consider joining the RAA for just ten dollars annually. For more Soirée information, contact Anna George at (925) 783-9000
