Keeping your mind and body sharp is important throughout our entire lives, but it becomes even more important as you age. While staying physically fit is a major focus for your health, finding a creative outlet keeps your mind strong, while also expanding your horizons. For many older adults, discovering a new hobby sharpens their minds and provides a way to express themselves. For Betty Tysor of Lewisville, NC, taking up painting at the age of 86 has been fulfilling and brought hours of enjoyment to her life.
Betty Tysor, a native of Siler City, NC, grew up with a younger brother, a mother who worked in the hosiery mills, and an entrepreneurial father. After marrying her husband, Ralph, in 1951, the newlyweds moved to Washington State while Ralph served in the Air Force. Four years later, the Tysors moved to Charlotte, NC, and added to their family with daughter, Gale, and son, Greg, eventually settling in Kernersville, NC.
“Our family moved to Kernersville and lived there for 45 years. I worked as an accountant at Glenola Frameworks Furniture Manufacturing Company in High Point, NC, where I learned the furniture business and how to design and manufacture furniture. Following in my father’s entrepreneurial spirit, I started my own 18th-century mahogany reproductions furniture company called ‘Salem Square.’ I enjoyed designing, marketing, selling, and being the accountant for this company, until I retired after 27 years. When my husband passed away in 1997, I moved to Lewisville, NC, to be near my daughter Gale (Adouli) and her family,” recounted Betty. Son Greg lives in Cumming, GA. With such a career, you might think that Betty’s retirement would be filled with just being grandma to her three grandchildren, but you would be wrong.
“Even though I sing in the choir, enjoy gardening, and am an avid reader, I still needed a new challenge! One day I decided to go to the Lewisville Library and check out some books on painting, and thus my interest in painting began three years ago. I have also been taking painting classes once a week for the past two years from Jane D. Smith with Noel Painting, which has helped me tremendously. I enjoy Impressionistic acrylic painting with a variety of subjects,” Betty commented. Most would be happy with just taking up a new hobby, but Betty displayed her paintings in a recent art show at the Lewisville Library.
“Painting is very relaxing and rewarding for me. I paint almost every day, and it’s very fulfilling. The art show at the library was my first, and I was thrilled to sell 11 paintings. My friend, Catherine Van Steenburgh, was so helpful in setting up the show. I plan to continue to paint and display my art locally, “stated Betty.
For more information on Betty Tysor’s art and upcoming shows, please call 336-414-5653.
