Art show features two later-life artists

Thank goodness Norma Tuttle and Deanie Holbrook have patient muses.

The two well-known Yuma painters waited until a bit later in life before they heeded their muses' whispers beckoning them to pick up a brush and create.

“I never thought I could do this!” Holbrook said, laughing. “I never even drew until I was 50, but I took a class and that how it all started.”

Tuttle started painting after she retired and finally had the time to explore such creative indulgences.

Their artist discovery was certainly good news for Yuma's arts community, which has seen Tuttle and Holbrook stage countless art shows and run art galleries in Yuma.

Now the longtime friends are inviting the community the enjoy the fruits of their artistic labors at an art show hosted by the Village Art Gallery. A reception will run 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Admission is always free to the gallery, which is located at 270 S. Main St.

Tuttle and Holbrook will be displaying about 10 new paintings each.

“Deanie does a lot of portraits of Native Americans and she specializes in rooster paintings,” Tuttle said. “I do mostly flowers and a little bit of landscapes.”

But the ladies are also quick to point out that the Village Art Gallery also boasts the works of more than 25 other local artists.

“People just need to come on down and see how many beautiful pieces of art we have,” Tuttle said. “Artists have brought in a lot of new work.”

The Village Art Gallery operates as a nonprofit organization run by Desert Artists of Yuma.

The gallery showcases paintings, along with drawings, jewelry, wood turning, gourds, baskets, cards and prints.

“We're looking for a nice ceramic artist,” Tuttle said. “But we really do have a great variety, I think. We really have something for everyone.”

Tuttle's favorite painting in the show is one that was inspired by seeing her aunt's canning jars.

“I took a picture of them one day and it just turned out gorgeous. So I painted it and have made some really nice prints of it.”

Holbrook laughed and said all of her paintings are her favorites. She loves them all. But she points out that she's never sad to see a painting leave the gallery for a new home.

“Some artists don't like to see their paintings go, but I think that if someone wants to buy my painting, they must really like it and that's who should have your painting. That's why we do this — make art for people to enjoy.”