Feeling artistic in East Rockaway

Tuesday is some East Rockaway residents’ favorite day of the week, because that’s when the St. Raymond’s Art Club meets.

Five years ago, Trudy Santoemma, who has been a part of the church’s parish ministry since 2002, came up with the idea of starting an art club. Though it had a humble beginning — with just four members — the club now has more than 30 budding artists from all over Long Island.

“The philosophy behind it was to give seniors something to do,” Santoemma said. “Now people of all ages attend. It doesn’t matter where you live or what kind of artwork you want to do.”

Over the past few years, the club has expanded to include students who come after school, and many members stay later to assist them with their artwork.

“When people are interested, it doesn’t matter how old they are,” Santoemma said. “The children come to it naturally. They don’t have any qualms about painting.”

She added that many of the members have no prior experience in the world of art, but have learned quickly. “The adults find out it’s possible for anybody to do it if they have the desire,” she said. “Many of our seniors have never done this, and they’re producing beautiful pictures.” Members work with a variety of materials, including pastels, oil, watercolor and acrylics.

Carol Gottcent has lived in East Rockaway — and attended St. Raymond’s Church — for 52 years. A few years ago, she noticed some artwork on display in the church and recognized the artists’ names. She inquired about the club but was unsure whether she should join. “But I can’t draw a straight line,” Gottcent recalled saying to some friends who were already members.

After some convincing, she decided to join — and she’s happy she did. “It was a blessing for me because it gave me a new interest,” she said. “Not that I ever dreamed that I could be an artist.” Her favorite among her own paintings is one of two swans on a lake, called “Tranquility.”

Gottcent said she has made a lot of new friends in the club, and looks forward to attending each week.

According to Santoemma, who took up art as a hobby in 1995, members help one another with their projects. “When you love art, you love every bit of it,” she said. “When I see them painting beautifully, I think to myself it’s like my own child. It’s part of you.”

St. Raymond’s second annual Art Show will take place this weekend in the St. Raymond’s School cafeteria. For the first time this year, the artists’ work will be for sale. While 80 percent of the proceeds will go to the artists, 20 percent will be donated to the school.