Manor residents enjoy art exhibition

October 1, 2014

By William Kilpatrick

On Tuesday, Sept.r 23 the residents of Centennial Manor were treated to a special art show put on by local artist Arne Roosman. The art show was the idea of Nicole Powers, the Manor’s activation aid whose job it is to organize, facilitate, and run recreational activities at the Manor. Connecting the residents to their history through Roosman’s art was an important part of this venture. Powers sees other benefits of exposing the resident’s to different types of art and to Roosman himself, “I really think the residents will benefit from being exposed to art and culture and spending time with someone (Roosman) who has been such a big part of this community as well as sharing in the history of their town,” said Powers. For Powers, Roosman was an obvious choice, not simply because they are friends but because, “ he has a lot of history and knowledge and is an all around interesting and genuine human being,” said Powers. The smiles, laughter, and inquisitiveness of the residents was a testament that the show was a success.

Roosman, an award winning artist, lithographer, illustrator, and designer of the mural that graces the wall of 23 Bridge Street West in Bancroft, was very happy to share his talent with those who otherwise may not be exposed to art or have a chance to ask questions of the artist. “The show has an entertainment value and brings joy to the residents and allows them to see things that they otherwise would not be able to see,” said Roosman. Roosman’s display included the vivid colours of his piece called “Harlequin Story”, an abstract landscape piece entitled “Window over Autumn Lake”, numerous portraits and some works that were created for the play “Noises Off” that debuted at the Village Playhouse this past summer. Roosman also spoke about a project that he would like to implement at the Manor Cafe. Roosman said that he was looking for some sponsors to bring the mural that he created for the Door next Door cafe and have it erected at the Manor cafe as a way of bringing some lasting joy to the residents. The mural, for those who do not remember it, is a scene of a cafe in Paris called “Lapin-agile cafe” from the early 20th century.There is also a personal connection that prompted Roosman to put this show on. Roosman’s wife of 56 years Leena has been a resident at the Manor for two years. Leena suffers from a rare parkinsonism called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or PSP that, according to the Parkinson Society of Canada, results from damage to nerve cells in the brain and eventually results in the person losing all ability to move, speak and breath. The cruelest aspect of this disease is that the victim remains fully aware of the diseases impact as it progresses. As an ode to Leena, Roosman has painted many portraits of her that he displayed at the Manor. The portraits clearly reflect her beauty and the undying love that he feels towards her. Rooseman is the Art Gallery of Bancroft’s featured artist for October and many of the pieces that were on display at the Manor will be on display at the AGB. His show is entitled “Here and now/there and then” and is an artistic representation of Roosman’s life before he came to Canada. It runs from October 1st to Nov. 1. Anyone interested in sponsoring the Manor Cafe mural project can contact Arne at 613-332-3617.