MILLBROOK- Like many across the country, Ed Schurig, a resident at The Fountains at Millbrook, was glued to his television the morning of September 11, 2001. He was devastated as he watched the deadliest terrorist attack in American history unfold. Shortly after the tragedy, Schurig coped by expressing his emotions through his artwork.
After two years of creating numerous sculptures and paintings, his 9/11 art collection was complete – and it is now on display ahead of the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy at the Millbrook Library through September 15, 2023. The Millbrook Library, located at 3 Friendly Lane, Millbrook, is open from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.
The Millbrook Library recently hosted a welcome event for Schurig’s exhibit, and 20 residents and associates from The Fountains at Millbrook were excited to attend and show their support.
“Some people who view this exhibit stand in front of a piece and get very quiet,” said Schurig, 87. “I’ll go over to talk with them, and they will tell me they lost a loved one that day. It is a very emotional experience.”
Schurig became interested in art when he was 23 years old, after attending a small class that taught him the basics like mixing paints. He then taught himself, learning through mistakes, and now paints a variety of styles including abstract, realism and seascapes.
He moved to the Fountains at Millbrook two years ago and has continued to develop his enjoyment of art and skills by participating in the community’s weekly art studio. He also met fellow resident and artist, Polly Polzella, during the class. The two are now good friends who enjoy discussing art and critique each other’s works.
“The art studio instructor is wonderful,” said Schurig. “She’s got a great disposition and we discuss many different topics like theater and film. Polly makes me feel more comfortable here, especially since I lost my wife, Marilyn, about six months ago.”
Painting portraits was the topic of a recent art studio session. Schurig has never created portraits before but found the subject interesting and decided to “give it a try.” His daughters are his inspiration.
“It’s exciting to see what Ed will learn and create next; he is very talented,” said Executive Director Deb Slocum. “At The Fountains at Millbrook, we have a community of both accomplished and budding artists within the larger framework of our retirement community. Our residents inspire each other and continue growing their skills here. They often share their work with all of us – on our walls and in our halls – which further adds to the artistic spirit of our community.”
Schurig said the residents and associates at The Fountains at Millbrook encourage and support his work. He has pieces on display at the community, and many stop to talk with him about his art and how much they enjoy it.
“Everyone is so nice,” he said. “When you paint, you put a piece of yourself in every picture. When people can relate or react to the artwork, it is just an amazing experience for the artist.”
