by Jamie Chase Galvin
The Sterling Senior Center is proud to exhibit the work of Sterling based artist Andrea Driscoll. The exhibit, which opened to viewers with a reception on September 7 showcases 26 pieces of Driscoll’s inspired artistry. The showcase includes many nature themed elements with a mix of abstract and realistic samples including monoprints, drawings, and paintings.
Driscoll, who is extremely active in the art world, is both an artist that has exhibited her work for almost 30 years and a teacher as well. She currently teaches privately to both individuals and groups at the Thomas Prince afterschool enrichment program in Princeton, and weekly at the Sterling Senior Center. Driscoll received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a minor in art from Lesley University in Cambridge, and is currently the Chairman of the Sterling Cultural Council and a member of the Princeton Arts Society.
Driscoll has practiced her craft since she was a young child crediting an art class at the Worcester Art Museum as the beginning of her love for art. “It started when I was six and I took my first art class at the Worcester Art Museum, and it never stopped,” she says. Driscoll also credits her years in Boston with its museum rich culture and her grandparents who were artistically talented as fueling the fire in her pursuit of her talent.
Nature is Driscoll’s never-ending source of stimulation. She uses paints, mixed media, drawings, and printing as a vehicle for her work. “Nature is my inspiration,” she says. “Everything is interesting to me. Just doing the art is pure joy.” Driscoll feels she is lucky to live in a nature-rich area like Sterling and the surrounding region to pull inspiration.
In addition to her art, Driscoll finds true passion in sharing her love of art with her students, both adults and children. “I’m happiest when I’m teaching,” she says. Driscoll loves the challenge of teaching individuals who think being an artist is out of their reach and awakening their artistic spirit. “I want people to realize it’s all right there to capture and to awaken the spirit of observation. Art is one of the ways we can shape our own world and our reaction to the world.”
Driscoll especially wants to encourage those thinking of dipping a toe into the world of art, but are hesitant to give it a try. “You’ve got to try new things all the time. It can turn out to be a great source of pleasure and enjoyment,” she says.
Andrea Driscoll’s work is on display at the Sterling Senior Center through the end of October. “I loved the space at the Senior Center,” says Driscoll. “I want my work to give back to the amazing community there.”