UNIVERISTY PARK, Pa. – Once a month, members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Penn State Outdoor Art Group get together to make art in natural settings.

Together the group enjoys each other’s company while practicing their artistic endeavors in unique and interesting places in the region, such as the Arboretum at Penn State or Way Fruit Farm.

For group leader Missy Stephens, the group has provided her with an opportunity to explore her artistic side with likeminded people.

“I had been looking for friends to join in making art for years,” said Stephens, who began exploring painting and drawing in retirement. “The group has given me friends to share that with. I think that not everyone I know understands why someone would spend time and money doing art, but people in the group get it.”

Stephens said the artists meet outdoors when weather permits, while finding interesting indoor locations during inclement weather. All forms of artistic expression are encouraged, from painting, drawing, nature journaling, to photography and writing. 

“Artists have been working outdoors forever. So many artists are drawn to the beauty they find in nature. We have people who are drawn to landscapes, people who are drawn to birds, people are drawn to so many things outside that inspire us,” Stephens said.

The Outdoor Art Group is one of many special interest groups offered by OLLI at Penn State, a Penn State Outreach program that offers community members aged 50 and above the opportunity to learn, explore and connect through educational experiences, travel, social and volunteer opportunities.

This month, the Outdoor Art Group has their art on display in an exhibition at the Allen Galley in Schlow Centre Region Library in State College, which runs until Sept. 29. Stephens said it is a unique opportunity for the members who typically do not have a background in art.

“It is very intimidating to call yourself an artist and to show your artwork to others is very vulnerable. So, I hope this is an opportunity to share something that is important in their lives to other people,” Stephens said.

The show features a painting of a log cabin structure from Curtin Village made by group member Teresa Martin, inspired by a group trip to the historic Centre County location.

“We travel all over the county and see a lot of the places that you have always wanted to see but haven’t got to yet. So, this is a good excuse to go there and practice your art plus see Centre County,” Martin said. “It really opens up a lot of new experiences.”

Member David Brown said he started painting 20 years ago to help relieve stress from work. Since he has retired, he has been able to put more time into his artistic work.

“The Outdoor Art Group really fits me well because sometimes getting motivated to work is hard. So, this is an automatic way to do it,” Brown said. He encouraged others interested in art and exploring their community to give it a try.

“Get off the fence. It is a very congenial group. We all get together and work together on our art,” Brown said.

More information about the Outdoor Art Group or other OLLI at Penn State groups can be found here or by calling 814-867-4278.