Recently I did a double take when I saw a 100 year old woman on the news dressed in a stunning outfit. I was talking on the phone at that time, but could hear parts of the story. What I clearly heard and found amazing was the fact that this lady was an artist who was exhibiting her paintings in her first solo show. Later I looked up additional information about her and found out about her fascinating life.
Here’s what I learned about her:
Frieda Lefeber, a holocaust survivor, was born in Germany but eventually came to the United States after fleeing from Europe. Her career was in nursing and at one time she served as a nurse in the Coast Guard during WWII.
At the age of 76, Frieda took her first art class at Rosemont College, and then later attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. During her fourth year as an art student, she exhibited and sold her work, enabling her to pay for tuition for one semester. Later she graduated at age 83 with a certificate in art rather than a bachelor’s degree because she explains that she had a difficult time staying awake in Art History class. Next on Frieda’s agenda was travels to Europe where she continued painting and taking art classes.
Frieda attributes painting as key to her feeling young. But there’s more to this inspiring lady than that. She commits to staying busy and staying positive. Currently, her time is spent enjoying family, reading, teaching herself to cook, and working out at the gym or with a trainer. And at age 100, she still drives. Now that’s my kinda grandma.
I admire people who exude this zest for life.
Feeling creative? Make your version of my unfinished` fiber artwork shown below.
Artfully yours,
Chris