Concordia Calendar Artists Profile: Gloria Snyder

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,” the calendar features a different painting by a resident who lives at one of our locations each month. And each month, we’ll introduce you to the artists here. September’s resident artist is Gloria Snyder of Concordia of the South Hills.

Gloria began painting after moving to Concordia of the South Hills nine years ago – and noted that her penchant for art was influenced by her love of crafting, especially with fabrics.

“I’ve always enjoyed crafting, especially making quilted door hangings,” she said. “I planned to continue with fabric arts after moving to Concordia, but decided to try my hand at a water color class. My focus has been on painting ever since.”

Originally from New York City, Gloria moved to Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three children in 1963.

She worked as an elementary educator and reading specialist at Bethel Park School District for 23 years. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, taking 25 Road Scholar trips.

“We liked to travel and took many trips before he passed away in 2001,” she said.

As part of the calendar series, Gloria’s watercolor painting – a bright pastel-pink flower- was chosen for the month of September.

“I wasn’t inspired by anything in particular,” she said. “I love all forms of art and enjoy painting flowers. We have an art appreciation series here at Concordia, and I was interested in some of the artwork in the series.”

Although painting has become a prevalent hobby, Gloria divides her time among several other organizations and activities as well. Currently serving as the secretary for the arts and aesthetics committee at her church – the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills – she works to advance local artists in the South Hills community.

“The group gives local artists the opportunity to display their artwork for a two-month period in the church sanctuary,” Gloria explained. “During the year the committee also displays church members’ art in the hallways.”

Her involvement with the committee has been only a small part of her participation in the church community.

“One of the things people may be surprised to know is that the Church started in my living room in 1965,” Gloria said.

She and her husband heard of a need for a new church in the South Hills community and decided to take action. The couple hosted meetings with community members at their home in Baldwin, and after two meetings, the church was established with an affirmative vote.

“I have been active in a host of ways since then,” she said.

Moving to Concordia nine years ago to downsize, Gloria became involved with two resident-led organizations in addition to volunteering at her church.

“My favorite thing about Concordia is the caring people here,” Gloria said. “I also love my apartment; I have a beautiful view of the forest and skyline.”

Serving as the organizer for Concordia of the South Hills City Theater Group, Gloria oversees the group’s subscription to the City Theatre in Pittsburgh. Members attend six plays during each year’s series. Additionally, Gloria manages a resident-led duplicate bridge group.

“Our bridge group plays twice a month,” she said. “I also handle the schedule for a men’s and women’s bi-monthly bridge group.”

Gloria continues to paint, attending classes and expanding her portfolio of artwork. She also spends time visiting with her two daughters, one of whom lives nearby in Mt. Lebanon with her granddaughter, and the other who lives in Wisconsin with her family.

“I enjoy being involved in my church community and here at Concordia,” she said. “I feel fortunate to be part of two wonderful communities of faith and caring.”

For more information about the amenities and worry-free lifestyle offered to residents like Gloria at our independent senior living communities in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Tampa, Florida, visit our locations map to find a Concordia location near you, call our administrative headquarters at 724-352-1571 or message us through the Contact Form on our website. To request a free copy of the 2019 Concordia Calendar, “Brush Strokes,” call the Public Relations Department at 724-352-1571, ext. 8266.