Daily Egyptian Spring 04
Spring '04 Edition
West Frankfurt woman shares the joy of her life
Bethany Krajelis
Daily Egyptian
As hors d'oeuvres were distributed and the soothing sounds of the harp lingered through the Longbranch Coffeehouse, one 70-year-old woman shared with attendants the joy of her life ˜ painting.
Joan Skiver-Levy of West Frankfurt mingled with attendants Friday night in the dimly lit back room at the opening of her one-woman art exhibit.
The vibrant red head was dressed in formal attire from her sparkly earrings to her black lace dress for the special occasion, where 33 of her paintings were on display.
Levy's paintings range from mediums of watercolor and oil to acrylic and the use of a pallet knife.
According to Levy, removing the paintings from her home had an effect on her that she did not expect.
"The energy just left my house," Levy said. "It felt like something was missing. I didn't realize the art hung on my wall affected me that way."
Elaine Ramseyer, general manager of Longbranch, said it was Levy's energy that caught her attention.
"I went on faith with her," Ramseyer said. "Her energy was so great. She is 70 years old and looking ahead. She is truly an inspiration and a role model for what you can be."
Since she was a child, Levy has had the desire to express herself through art, but other things took priority.
"I had a family and children to worry about," Levy said. "Often times, moms and wives come last. At this point in my life, I am finally expressing myself."
For about the past decade, Levy has been taking several different art classes at local colleges. In addition to her continuing education, Levy has been recognized for her work.
She has won numerous awards at local festivals and fairs and even has her work on display in galleries located in Illinois and Arizona.
One of her paintings, which measures 6 feet by 8 feet, is part of a permament art collection at Southeastern Illinois College. Her painting of basketball-sized grapes will permanently hang in the hallway of the school.
According to Levy, her former art professor was a large inspiration in her artwork and life. He encouraged her to paint large, which she said "opened up a new world" for her.
"When I finish a piece and step back to look at it," Levy said, "I am amazed I did it."
Not only is painting a large part of her life, but Levy continues to add new projects to her schedule.
Levy recently added music to her life including piano, voice and harp lessons. She also began writing her own poetry.
"I didn't think I could do it, but I realized that when you write poetry, you relive the experience when you write about it," Levy said.
Holding back her tears, Levy described one of her poems about her 25th anniversary in Spain with her late husband.
"It was beautiful," Levy said. "I felt the happiness that we shared that night all over again."
Levy said some widows tend to believe they cannot be "complete" without another person, which she believes is wrong.
"Poetry is from the soul," she said. "It gives me more self-confidence and makes me complete. You can be complete by yourself."
According to Levy, her paintings can be described as brave, strong and colorful, which also describe the 70-year-old woman as well.
"I really believe that you can do anything," she said. "You have to keep moving and exploring and looking for yourself."
At the age of 14, Levy portrayed these qualities living on her own on the North Side of Chicago.
Levy started her career as a waitress and quickly moved up to an executive secretary.
"I bluffed my way to the top without any education," Levy said. "It just goes to show that you can do anything. I did the impossible at 14."
Levy said she obtained her GED last year and is proud of her accomplishments, regardless of how long it took to achieve them.
In addition, Levy also formed a statewide group to help parents of disabled children, which later became part of a nationwide network.
Levy began the organization because her son, Russell, had hyperactivity disorders. Levy said her organization provides ways for parents to deal with hyperactive children and actually improve children's learning as well.
Levy said a controlled diet without artificial flavoring and natural ingredients has helped her son and others.
In connection with her work, Levy appeared on the Phil Donahue show twice and other Chicago radio shows as well.
Following her appearances, Levy received nearly 35,000 letters, which she said is inspiration for her to continue her work.
Her son, Russell, traveled from Lacrosse in order to see his mother's exhibit. He wandered the exhibit taking pictures of his mother's work, which he said makes him proud to be her son.
"She can do anything," he said. "She has helped so many people with her work. She is just a remarkable lady."
Levy said with her busy schedule, she would always make time to paint.
"It's like going into a different world when I paint," Levy said. "Everything else just fades off, and I am wonderfully lost in time. Painting is such a joy. Nothing in the world gives me the same feeling.
"My life couldn't be any better than it is right now."
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