Concordia Calendar Artist Profiles: Carole Flagg

Jan Carole Image

When we think of famous painters, names like van Gogh, da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso and Warhol come to mind. However, since Concordia’s 2019 Calendar was distributed, the public has been introduced to our own artistic Hall of Fame with the resident artists whose paintings have been featured.

Titled “Brush Strokes,” each month depicts a different painting by several of our residents who live at one of our locations. And each month, we’ll introduce you to the artist, here. January’s resident artist is Carole Flagg, of Concordia Village of Tampa.

Sixteen years ago, Carole and her husband chose an apartment in the tower building at Concordia Village of Tampa because of the light that spills into her studio. Although he has since passed away, Carole believes that her husband knew Concordia was the best place for her to enjoy each and every day.

“He always loved Florida,” she said, adding that the couple even honeymooned there. “When we came to this retirement community it just felt right.”

Born and raised in Chicago, her family moved to Scarsdale, NY in her teens. She graduated from Bradford College in MA, having studied Fine Arts. She married very young and her husband built their home in New Jersey. She never stopped attending classes, even while raising their son Barry (who lives in Tampa) and daughter Donna.

Carole, who has been painting since she was 8 years old, said art is her passion. Many of her works hang in the public spaces in our community. Her mother loved to paint and provided inspiration for her in every way.

“She connected me with teachers and encouraged me to draw,” Carole said. “I first penciled a house and have never stopped.”

She works in oil and acrylics mostly, because the pastels create dust, which she said can be a problem for those with lung issues.

“I sometimes do little thank you gifts in pastels, but when I paint, I am after something beyond the technical approach to art,” she said. “I want to evoke a response in the viewer that is at a deeper level than the visual alone.”

When asked how many paintings she has, she replied, “I stopped counting.” Her favorite painter is van Gogh, because of his use of colors.

“I like impressionism rather than realistic style, and his compositions are amazing.”

At one point she had her work displayed at three galleries and taught a variety of media and pencil drawing. Now, at age 92, she continues to teach and use her gift.

The grandmother of two said living at Concordia Village of Tampa is a joy. She added that she appreciates the congeniality and helpfulness of the staff and “the lovely people who have become my friends.”

“Our past lives and stories unite us together,” she said.

To learn more about this outstanding retirement community in Tampa, call us at 813-977-4950 or visit www.ConcordiaTampa.org. To request a free copy of the 2019 Concordia Calendar, “Brush Strokes,” call the Public Relations Department at 724-352-1571, ext. 8266.

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