Stephen Toal has been clean and sober for three years now from alcohol addiction.

Toal has been busy creating artistic murals in parks in Fort Scott.

This spring he painted a mural under the big rock shelter house at Gunn Park, painting over graffiti.

This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.

“Art is a big part of my recovery,” he said. “I think by doing these it helps me and also the community and will hopefully start bringing in more people at the park.”

Art helps him to focus, “When I am doing art, I am in my own zone,” he said.

Toal started focusing on art when he needed to change his life.

He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.

“When I went to rehab, a counselor asked me what I like to do,” he said. “I liked to draw. I got into art. I feel that is what I am meant to be.”

“I do photography as well,” Toal said. “I do five to six different art mediums.”

“I really enjoy the outdoor painting,” he said. “I think by painting the murals it’s bringing the community together and showing others the power of art.”

“There will be more (art)to come,” Toal said. ” I am starting on the inside of the tunnel (at Riverfront Park). The tunnel mural is going to be about Fort Scott and Kansas mixed in. I’m currently still doing some research on old businesses here and people that influenced Fort Scott. I am working on the design. And will possibly collaborate with other local artists.”

He does the community art projects for free.

“I don’t like getting into the money side,” he said. “And I have a lot of paint.”

 Presbyterian Village announces

Art is Ageless^® winners

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village recently announced the 2021 winners of the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition on the community Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/FortScottPresbyterianVillage.

“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Megan Brillhart, marketing director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”

Winners in the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Art is Ageless juried competition were:

Best of Show amateur: Helen Nuzum, “Rona Rooster”

People’s Choice amateur: Ruth Bahr, “Awed by Nature”

People’s Choice professional: Paul Milks, “Weedy Sunset”

Judge’s Choice amateur: Barbara Gibson, “Feith”

Judge’s Choice professional: Tony Fornelli, “The Hillbilly”

Christmas amateur: Linda Thompson, “Winter Mittens”

Fiber Arts amateur: Ruth Bahr, “Jellybean Bookmark”

Mixed Media/Crafts amateur: Barbara Gibson, “Feith”

Needlework amateur: Helen Nuzum, “Take a Ride”

Mixed Media/Crafts professional: Tony Fornelli, “In Loving Memory”

Painting amateur: Barbara Stuart, “This & That”

Painting professional: Tony Fornelli, “Dragon Slayer”

Photography professional: Paul Milks, “Weedy Sunset”

Quilting amateur: Earline Foster, “Chubby Chicks”

Sculpture/3D: Tony Fornelli, “The Hillbilly”

Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.

Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health.

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Art is Ageless program encourages Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 South Horton, Fort Scott, Kan., contact Megan Brillhart at 620-223-5550, or [email protected].

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