The Deltona Art Club recognizes Barbara Gizzi as the featured artist of the month for September. Her artwork titled Wanna Hug is an acrylic white paint on black canvas and hangs in September in the foyer of Deltona City Hall.
When Barbara Gizzi retired and life started slowing down, she needed to find a hobby. Since her two daughters and a granddaughter have a talent for painting, she decided to give it a try.
Gizzi picked up a couple of small paintbrushes, some leftover acrylic wall paint, and a large canvas picture from a garage sale. Over that picture, she painted a sunrise coming over a landscape of green trees and meadow. It was so much fun that she went out and bought real acrylic paints, brushes and canvases.
After a few more smaller paintings, she realized that “maybe” she had become an artist at the age of 70.
Barbara wanted to get the opinion of some members of the Deltona Art Club; she was warmly welcomed and asked to join the club.
That was the best thing she could have done. At her first monthly meeting, she met some of the members and was able to see some of their work and show a painting of hers. Realizing that each person had their own unique style and medium choice, she wanted to commit to being involved with this club.
When a volunteer was needed to be the new secretary, Gizzi raised her hand, and today she is the vice president.
Since the arrival of COVID-19 last year, the Deltona Art Club has been unable to meet and share with each other. Barbara couldn’t seem to get inspired to paint anything until just a few weeks ago.
Her husband, Gene, has wanted her to try painting another “white on black canvas” painting, and Paula Dayton mentioned a panda. Something “unlocked” her indifference, and Barbara decided to go for it. Now, she’s back to painting once again.
Barbara hopes that when this horrible COVID-19 and its variants have finished decimating our world’s population, we can get back to enjoying seeing friends and going to group meetings. Then maybe there will be more people wanting to find their talent in art and who will join the Deltona Art Club.
Learn more at www.deltonaartclub.com, or send an email to deltonaartclub@gmail.com.
The Deltona Art Club, established in 1968, is one of the oldest continuously running clubs in Central Florida. Everyone is welcome to join.
