In The News - Enduring Spirit
By Brett Butterstein
Bigfork Eagle
The new mural that Lake View Care Center employee Rita Knox has been recently been finishing commands attention at the heart of the care center. Her sweeping landscape rendition of the Swan Lake region marks the gateway to the Swan View Wing for Alzheimer's care."It's to promote that hallway," says Knox "but its still going to be dedicated to Doug." The dedication to Knox's brother, Doug, who she tragically lost in September, adds enduring spirit to this truly special feature in the center. "He looked at it and he really like it," she says.
The idea of having the mural was started by a community service individual who began painting on the wall. Knox, with an extensive artistic background, was asked to finish the mural. She says that she has since completely redid the mural from scratch.
For the past two months, Knox has been taking time away from her busy schedule as an office assistant and central supply person.
As she prepares to add wisps of grass in the foreground, Knox pulls a surprisingly huge cart armed with three levels of paints and supplies from a nearby closet. Throughout the course of her artwork, she has added acrylic paints, oils, and even car model enamel paint.
When asked about her artistic talent, Knox credits her family and the four years she spent in the art room at the Bigfork High school. "My parents are both really talented," she says, "and Brandy, my older sister, she can really paint too."
Knox's high standards and eye for exquisite detail and are easily seen throughout the mural. The quaking leaves on the aspen trees and how the sky lightly shores up into the wall paper above speak of this nature.
"I thought it was really impressive when I walked by and saw it," says the new activities director Tammy Sciaretta. "Everyday you come in you look to see if you see something different."
Surely the new addition will add new dimensions for residents and all members alike to enjoy for years to come.