Seniors creative photography project underway

Ottawa Valley Creative Arts is conducting a photography project to honour seniors throughout the Valley. Last month photographer Maureen MacMillan brought her studio equipment to the Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 to shoot some residents. Having her portrait taken was fun for Johanna Yandernoll who heard about the project from the housekeeping staff at the Stafford Street assisted living apartments. Above: Maureen MacMillan puts Johanna Yandernoll (nee Peplinski) in the frame.

While MacMillan got on with her creative work, project coordinator Kathy Blomquist of Barry’s Bay and Area Home Support explained that they have a long list of subject from Whitney to Palmer Rapids, Barry’s Bay to Eganville, including Pikwakanagan, Hassanville, “anywhere there is a little pocket of people.” She said the project goal is to show the diversity in the Valley.

MacMillan said she really appreciated the use of the Legion Hall for the project because it meant she could offer studio conditions much closer for subjects in this area. By the time the project is completed, she hopes to have photographed about 50 people. She said it is exciting to have such a wide range of backgrounds and interests, and it was obvious from the constant chatter and laughter that both she and Yandernoll enjoyed the experience. MacMillan said she loves working with seniors as a result of a very close relationship with her grandmother and other elders in her family.

Blomquist explained that the finished portraits and resulting book will be part of the next Pop Up Art exhibition series in the region. For more information visit ov-caos.org or click HERE for previous article in The Current.