Oak Hammock is fortunate to have Gloria Nelson as an art instructor. With over ten years’ experience in teaching and known for her enthusiasm, wit and endless patience, Nelson has inspired countless students to explore their creativity and embrace the joy of art. For many years, she taught art in Seattle, Washington and Cleveland, Ohio as well as several cities in Southwest Florida. Her dedication to teaching and her own artistic journey have made her an invaluable addition to the Oak Hammock community.
Sitting in the art studio at Oak Hammock, surrounded by dozens of her colorful, vibrant-hued artwork, Nelson’s fun-loving personality matches that of her art. Her eyes sparkle, she has a charming smile and even her clothes are bright and cheerful!
Oak Hammock resident Linda Kallman reflects on Nelson’s impact on her own journey, “Gloria opened my heart and mind to learning something new. I had never painted before and didn’t consider myself creative, but her passion and humor made me feel instantly comfortable trying new techniques. Her own journey, learning art later in life, has boosted my confidence, too.”
Nelson’s story is as inspiring as her teachings. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University with a degree in education. Although she once dreamed of becoming an architect, societal norms in the 1960s posed challenges for women wanting to work in professional fields.
“No one thought of hiring a female architect back then,” she recalls. “As a student, I began to realize this truth. Once when pointing out an error a professor had made, I was ignored and had to wait for some of the guys in my class to point out the same error before the professor acknowledged it.”
Despite the obvious inequities of the times, and the injustices women had to face, especially studying subjects traditionally heralded by men, Gloria excelled in her studies, sometimes as the only woman in some of her math classes.
After graduating, Nelson taught elementary school in Ohio for several years before transitioning to a career in marketing and sales. For 30 years, she worked for companies such as Sunbeam and Waccamaw. She traveled the country with the Waccamaw CEO, designing brochures, opening stores and creating special events. Remembering that time, Nelson said, “I always had a job that no one else had done before, so anything I did was a plus!”
Nelson retired at age 60 but stayed engaged in her southwest Florida community, while her husband, Lynn, continued work in his second career, as a high school chemistry teacher for another six years.
After retirement, Nelson’s love for art began to blossom. A friend’s watercolor class sparked her interest, and she was captivated from the start. “I believe watercolors are the only medium with a soul,” she says.
Featured in the Charlotte County Edition of the Florida Weekly and other publications, Nelson has long been admired for her bright and cheerful artwork of native plants and animals. She even created a one-woman show sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County, as the first artist to display there. The quality of her art is especially amazing given that she didn’t begin painting until she was in her 60’s.
Nelson and her husband share a love for adventure. They once sailed from Ohio to Fort Myers, Florida, on a three-month journey that took them through the Erie Canal, Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay and around the coast of Florida. After 20 years in southwest Florida, the couple moved to Oak Hammock in Gainesville, drawn by its vibrant community and excellent amenities.
Now an accomplished artist in the prime of her life, Nelson draws inspiration from the natural world, particularly the water and wildlife in Florida. She teaches over 200 students and relishes sharing her love of art with them. She believes art impacts everyone differently, and the important part of painting or creating art is that it creates a sense of feeling. As the sculptor Auguste Rodin said about the essence of art, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.”
Recently, Nelson shared details about the importance of art in her life.
What has art meant in your life?
I often look at things and say, “how can I paint that?” I get lost in my art and lose track of time. Frequently, I start six to eight projects and then look through them to see what I want to focus on. My creative process often begins with spontaneity, such as throwing paint on a canvas and letting salt create textures. I don’t begin with something in mind unless I have a consignment.
I’ve always lived near the water and like to paint animals in my yard, such as turtles and birds. I also like to repurpose art and am now into 3-D art and watercolor on canvas.
Great art picks up where nature ends.” ~Marc Chagall
What would you recommend for amateurs interested in taking an art class?
I believe art is the cheapest therapy there is. My recommendation is to just do it and remember, it is only paper. There should be no stress or anxiety when you are painting. Art will give the artist a sense of relaxation and peace.
It is fun for me to see the look in the students’ eyes when they create something they like. Art awakens a passion in them. I always suggest they set up to try something new.
Art transcends the painter to another place. For example, I’ve noticed Parkinson’s patients don’t have issues when they paint. For caregivers, art gives them a sense of peace and gives their minds a break for a few hours. I particularly like teaching at Oak Hammock because the residents are so friendly and nice.
Why did you choose to move to Oak Hammock?
My husband and I have lived at Oak Hammock for one and a half years. When we first started looking at continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, we visited several places. Primarily we wanted to move away from the ocean and the threat of hurricanes. But we also wanted to be close to good health care, participate in continuing education and live in a non-profit community. Oak Hammock fits all our criteria.
What about Oak Hammock would you recommend or suggest for those who are researching their retirement living options?
When we first came to visit Oak Hammock, the first thing we noticed was how friendly, gracious and kind the residents and staff were. I recommend people who are interested should come to Oak Hammock when they have the time to participate in the many opportunities, programs and activities offered. I would emphasize, don’t wait until it’s too late to participate and be active in the community. It’s better to be five years too early versus five minutes too late!
People here are very involved and enjoy it most when they can get out and about, interact with all their neighbors and friends and enjoy the many activities. For anyone touring a new facility, I also recommend visiting the health care areas so they can make sure it meets long-term care expectations. We liked the look and feel of Oak Hammock’s Health Pavilion. It was cheerful, clean and a welcoming environment.
What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
I was a nun for seven years with a teaching order in Ohio. But I left because among many things, I am allergic to wool!
Gloria is an extraordinary teacher – unfailingly encouraging and empowering. She simply makes it impossible to fail! Her students always have a wonderful time, producing pieces to be proud of!” – Nancy Wood
Gloria is a wonderful artist who is able to teach others with enthusiasm and patience. She seems to be able to anticipate the various abilities of those in the class so that each student can be successful. And best of all, she makes it fun!” – Martha Rader