George Schwenger

Resident Spotlight, Pitman Manor, George Schwenger

Ninety-six year old Pitman Manor resident George Schwenger formerly painted in oils, but has switched to watercolors. In the privacy and serenity of his Healthcare Residence room, he diligently creates beautiful artwork. Carrol Stella, community life director, observing his talent purchased high quality watercolor paints. “I told him I would bring in frames and mats, but he dismissed these when I showed them to him. He’s rather a draftsman also.” A solution to achieve the precise framing Georgeenvisioned nagged at Stella for weeks. A self-described creative soul, she was serendipitously blessed with the answer. One day at the front desk she saw Marketing Assistant Alice Coghill, who possesses extensive knowledge of local resources. Carrol asked her for a local framer referral. Miraculously, upon hearing the question, the gentleman standing next to her, John Snively, who had just helped his parents move into Pitman Manor declared, “I am a framer with lots of material and I can frame it.” He brought samples thefollowing day and shared them with George, who selected suede matting and a gold frame. John completed the framing and delivered it the next day. About to leave town, Carrol called to get the details about the 47^th annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Juried Art Contest and Exhibition held at Gloucester County College—she delivered it in person to make the deadline. Happily, George was awarded third prize for his watercolor painting of Monet’s La Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil, painted in 1872. The exhibit was on public view during July 2013. The original Monet hangs in London’s National Gallery.