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Original Artwork

Note cards featuring original artwork by Jeanne Ryan and Connie Owsiany are on sale through the College Store. Boxes of 12 cards with envelopes cost $15. Proceeds benefit LINC, the Lifelong Learning Program at Neumann.

The Life Long Learning program at Neumann College was founded in 1997. It began with periodic meetings for seniors in the Aston area. A group of enthusiastic individuals joined to plan non-credit Continuing Education programs. Senior Saturday Seminars were soon developed and offered in the spring and fall of 1999, 2000 and 2001. 

During the past ten years the number of offerings was increased and classes are now offered weekdays and Saturdays. As the program grew and classes were well received, younger adults started requesting registration. In the fall of 2007 the LINC Advisory Council voted to remove age limitations. Today the LINC course offerings are open to any adult interested in exploring new ideas, engaging in intellectual discussions and participating in learning within a stress-free environment, free of tests and grades.

Education has become an expensive commodity today and the College and Advisory Council work to keep the non-credit costs within reasonable range. A couple of classes are offered each semester for donation only, while the balance of the roster features classes costing between ten and twelve dollars for a two hour period. 

In 2006 a participant from one of the classes, Carmel Scuderi, came to the annual November gathering. While there she was admiring the student artwork which was on display and she had an idea. Before leaving she spoke to several about what beautiful cards some of the artwork would make. She was familiar with some of the materials available online and thought maybe LINC could develop and print cards that would in turn continue to support the program in its goals of providing affordable non-credit programming.

Carmel was willing to lead a group to research the possibilities. A small committee was formed including the art teacher, two students, and three college staff with Carmel serving as chair. The group met periodically, spoke to several LINC affiliated artists to explore possibilities of their donating some of their art. Artwork was donated by Jeanne Ryan, art faculty, and Connie Owsiany, former art student.  Estimates were requested from several printers.  Finally all was ready to place an order. Carmel and her committee ordered twelve different cards to be printed, folded and shrink wrapped with matching envelopes.

In February of 2008 the first cards were delivered.  Shortly afterward a poster and flyers were developed and printed. These would begin the advertising but more was needed. Contacts were made with the College websites and the College Store to see if they could provide areas of distribution. 

From the creative thought of one person, and the support of a small group within the Neumann College community, the vision of one LINC participant has come to life. As the cards are sold, profits will be used to keep the cost of the LINC non-credit offerings reasonable.

4/22/08