Art has always been part of Judith Chamberlin’s life. The joy it inspires continues at Millcroft Living. Having been a teacher, she hopes to continue to share art experiences with other residents of the senior living community in Newark, Delaware. 
Judith shared, “As a child, I loved crayons. I always wanted the largest box with the most colors. Art was my favorite subject in school.” Drawn to all the colors in her crayon box, Judith’s early interest in art was also fostered by her family. Her favorite aunt was a well-known artist in the Boston area. “Aunt Jan” inspired her niece’s interest in art.
Judith attended Lake Forest College in Illinois and embarked on a career that included being employed as an elementary school teacher and counselor. At the same time, she continued to create art and worked on improving her skills.
“I have taken courses using clay, colored pencils, oils, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, and even in jewelry-making,” she said.
Those classes also took her to many faraway places. 
“I learned art by attending workshops in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Canada and regions all across the United States,” she said. “Many of my instructors have been internationally known and featured in American art magazines.”
Following her retirement, Judith taught pastels to other adults for 12 years in Charleston, South Carolina and exhibited her work in galleries there.
She said the world around her influences her artwork. “I tend to paint whatever or whomever I have seen,” she said. “That becomes visual stimulation.”
Most recently, one of her works was displayed in an exhibit titled “Celebrating Black History Month: Here and Now,” sponsored by the Newark Arts Alliance. In the South, some plantation owners allowed their slaves some time to enjoy together. Judith explained that the artwork was based on a vintage photograph of a young slave girl who was dressed for a Saturday night.
“It’s wonderful when others appreciate my artwork. But for me, I want to feel I have done my best work, and I appreciate that when I am involved in drawing or painting, it is very much like meditation,” she said.
Now settling into her new home at Millcroft Living, a rental retirement community that provides independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and short-term rehab, Judith is eager to begin teaching art to other residents.
She said retirement provides the free time, and living at Millcroft’s beautiful campus provides the perfect setting to do that.
Judith reported that Millcroft has recently designated a lovely, spacious room with a sink, large windows and abundant natural lighting, creating an excellent environment for artistic expression.
As she looks forward to teaching, Judith’s goal is to convey to her students/residents that creating art can be a wonderful experience. She is excited that the Millcroft team is providing the opportunity for this endeavor.
Millcroft Living
Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in Newark, Delaware, Millcroft Living is a full-service, rental, continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Millcroft is managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information, visit MillcroftLiving.com or call 302/204-1088.
