The Lenoir County Council on Aging feels fortunate to have Bettie Saville as its art teacher, according to Tracy Breasure, executive director. They have highlighted her as the January Artist of the Month.
Saville is a Kinston native and still lives here with her husband Bert. She knew Eddie Cox, who previously taught the art classes at the Skinner Senior Center, before his death more than a year ago. She had fleeting thoughts about offering her services to teach, but originally resisted the idea. Shortly after that, Breasure called Saville and asked if she would consider teaching the class. It seemed to be what she needed to do, and she has been teaching the class for about a year.
Saville is a retired registered nurse and a professional painter, whose work has been purchased from all over the country.
“I’ve learned from some of the best artists out there, including Daniel Greene, Timothy Tyler and James Sulkowski,” said Saville. And now she shares her talent with her students.
“I want my students to enjoy class and have fun,” she said.
Their attention during class is obvious, watching every brush stroke and listening intently to her words.
Saville has no particular style, only her own. She starts her students by painting basic shapes and gradually progressing from there, based on ability. She paints in acrylics and oil, and teaches by the color wheel to show complimentary colors. She averages 13 to 14 students, some weeks 18, at the weekly class, and is accepting new students, willing to start at the beginner level.
Classes meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Skinner Center, 112 E. Blount St. Anyone 55 and older is welcome.
For more information, call 2552-527-1545.