Posted: November 25, 2025
This month we’re proud to showcase a collection of original works from our talented OLLI members!
Each piece reflects unique perspectives, personal expression, and the joy of artistic exploration. They remind us that creativity flourishes with lifelong learning to guide its path. Our members' work inspires us to keep creating, experimenting, and challenging ourselves.
Thank you to all of you for sharing your talents with us!
Readers: if you have art you’d like to share, you’re never too late! Please send photos, a description, and if you like, a few sentences on your motivation to create the piece(s) to:
asuolliblog@gmail.com
Artist: KAROLYN MCCAIN
KAROLYN SAYS: “I started painting as a hobby after I retired from a career in accounting and software implementation. I then began participating in OLLI painting classes. Because I have always been interested in fresh local food, I started with fruits and vegetables along with farm animals. Later, I branched out into florals and landscapes, seascapes and skies. Since my painting is a hobby, I don't maintain a regular schedule to paint, but just paint when I feel the inspiration to create. Taking OLLI classes helps with inspiration.”
ARTIST: JOE JEZUKEWICZ
JOE SAYS: “I am 87 years old and still learning!!!”
This is his latest charcoal drawing.
ARTIST: RAY SOL, AWA*, ASU OLLI FACULTY MEMBER & “TAI CHI GUY”
*AWA = Arizona Watercolor Association
Ray has been practicing and teaching tai chi, one of the martial arts, for health and wellness for over 25 years. He was featured in the article “Mastering Longevity” posted on the ASU OLLI Blog this past February.
RAY SAYS: “First, your project (the OLLI Blog) is a good one because it highlights the creativity of our diverse OLLI membership. Second, hopefully it will encourage others to "try their hand" at creating works of art.
I am honored to provide you with a copy of my Award winning watercolor painting "Abstract 14" (shown below). The painting was part of the Arizona Watercolor Association's Fall 2025 Exhibition, and is on display at the Holland Community Center in Cave Creek.
ARTIST: JAN COOPER
Jan learned her technique of using ribbon yarn to wrap her dramatic pieces from her cousin in Kansas City. It took her over two years to gain expertise in this unique design work.
JAN TELLS US: “The lizard (shown below) was on display in this year’s AZ State Fair Home Arts Division. It’s 17” across and has “a base of a metal lizard which I upcycled. I then wrapped and decorated it with jewelry parts. The framed shadowbox photos are pins that I attach to a foam base that can also be worn.
The butterfly is a wrapped piece of cut wood about 6” across that I purchased then wrapped with ribbon yarn and decorated with vintage jewelry. I love jewelry parts so I have been using them more often.
Jan’s stunning pieces can often be found at The Shemer Art Gallery as well as at craft fairs across the Valley.
JAN also SAYS: “I have been interested in art since I was given my first large box of crayons and a coloring book from my grandmother when I was very young. My mother was a pencil artist and crafter which has inspired me throughout my life. Over the years, I have found the most enjoyment finding new mediums to experiment with and master new skills to challenge myself. Completing a project with extreme satisfaction is the ultimate goal and enjoyment of creating.”
WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK!
Please send your questions or comments on this article or the blog in general to: asuolliblog@gmail.com
