The opening reception for local artists Mary Goebel and Joyce Goldin's art exhibit "Every Picture Has A Story" took place at the Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road, on Tuesday, November 7.

The gallery showcases 50 paintings, divided evenly between Ms Goebel and Ms Goldin, as part of the Newtown Senior Center's "Senior Highlights" program.

Each artist had the opportunity during the reception to speak with guests about their experiences crafting their art and explained the inspiration behind the pieces on display.

For Ms Goldin, her journey as an artist began when she was pregnant with her first child and was placed on maternity leave from her job as a teacher in 1968. She took the opportunity before her son was born to take art classes in the evenings. During that time, she created six paintings that are on display at the exhibit under her name at that time, Joyce Segal.

Her artist's biography explains, "It was always on my bucket list to go back and paint again, but it wasn't until I moved to Connecticut to become Joyce Goldin and joined the Senior Center art class that I got to fulfill it."

Now, almost half a century after originally pursuing her love of art, Ms Goldin is returning to painting using oil, watercolors, and pastels.

When answering questions from the crowd during the reception, Ms Goldin was asked what she is currently working on.

She explained she is doing three still lifes of apples. They are newer versions of a set she already completed and adores that had hung in her kitchen prior to the exhibit. She hopes to be able to put the additional set in the kitchen of her home in Florida.

Ms Goebel also has a special piece on display at the exhibit that means a lot to her, called "Grand Canyon."

The oil painting was inspired by a trip to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, a 70th birthday present from her husband, and depicts the morning scenery.

Ms Goebel not only does oil painting, but also uses pen/ink, acrylic, pastels, and even colored pencils for her artwork.

"I don't stay on one medium for long," Ms Goebel explained.

Growing up she explored a wide variety of art forms, many times creating pieces for friends and family, and took art classes after graduating from high school. Most of her artwork is inspired by photos she has taken over the years, since she enjoys taking pictures when she travels. Doing so allows her to enjoy her two biggest passions: painting and photography.

In her artist biography, she says this process allows her "to enjoy the subject matter three times; first 'live,' then as a photo, and finally the art piece."

Both artists currently take art classes at the Newtown Senior Center with instructor Lynn Welsh, whom they each gave great thanks to during the reception.

The public is invited to view Mary Goebel and Joyce Goldin's "Every Picture Has A Story" exhibit at the Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road, until the end of the year. The center is open weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm.