A reception to honor Janet Rodgers Bennett will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Osher Lifelong Learning Center (OLLI) Peck House. The event is free and open to the public and will run through April.
Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Bennett Iowa, Illinois and Pennsylvania before retiring back to Hattiesburg in 2012.
She joined OLLI soon after moving back and began enjoying a variety of classes, including a beginning art class taught by Brandi Downs.
“This began a wonderful journey to find a part of me that I didn’t know existed – artist,” Bennett said. “I have always gotten great pleasure visiting art museums in major cities here and abroad, but never had the time to discover or develop any talent. Now in retirement, I had the time and continued taking classes at OLLI with Bobby Walters, Dana Stratton, Marty Broadus and Tasha Messer.
“I quickly discovered a love for watercolor painting and have participated in workshops as well as continuing group and private lessons.
“I am glad once again to call Hattiesburg home. Membership in OLLI is a fabulous way to meet interesting people, take educational classes and make friends in the art community.”
