Mann Orchards Farm Store Showcases Seniors Art Work in Biannual Art Shows

Mann Orchards Farm Store Showcases Seniors Art Work in Biannual Art Shows

By: Elizabeth Covino

This September, Mann Orchards Farm Store was the site of an eclectic art show, featuring the work of local artists who met at the Methuen Senior Activity Center. Art was displayed in the farm store, by the fireplace. Art teacher and organizer of this show, Lisa Buglione is eager to expand this opportunity to all Methuen artists to showcase artwork. This can include watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, fiber arts, quilts, and artwork done in other mediums.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fitzgerald family of Mann Orchards to give seniors their time to shine and allow others to see their artistic creations. Our art show this fall was a success and I’m glad that we are able to expand this to invite more artists to participate.”

“We have been so pleased to have had the opportunity to partner with Lisa and the Methuen Senior Activity Center to help not only showcase the amazing work these local seniors are doing, but also add some color and décor to the Café here at Mann’s. For 18 years our Café has served as a meeting place for the people of Methuen. The real wood burning fireplace has been the focal point of the area, but this artwork is giving it a run for its money! We really love the array of artwork and look forward to seeing the next season project!,” said Matt Fitzgerald, owner of Mann Orchards Farm Store.
Local artist John Igoe, 74 of Methuen, loved showcasing his recent portrait of friend Nancy Giordano of Methuen, who passed away earlier this year. He shared copies of his tribute painting also to her with her family members, who cherished this gift. Also talented artist, Nancy was the one who suggested John join her at the Methuen Senior Activity Center to paint each week. “She was a beautiful artist. She convinced me to come here and I’m proud to share my portrait of her,” he said
Methuen resident Carol Naiman also loved having her artwork displayed at Mann’s. “It was awesome. My family checked out my art. I had only displayed in publicly at the Methuen Senior Center’s art show a while back. I was excited for people in the community to see my painting - for once other people seeing my work besides friends and family!,” she said.

Seniors Have An Opportunity to Learn from a Local Artist

Buglione has worked teaching art to many in the region, from children to active older adults. Through the Methuen Senior Activity Center, she offers four sessions of painting at the Center. The next sessions begins in January. Sessions run 10 weeks and there is a choice of Monday or Wednesday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. In these sessions, students can work on any painting project of their choosing. Buglione will offer guidance on all of the projects. This is not a teacher-led class. Students of all abilities, from those new to painting to advanced painters, are welcome to join. The classroom atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Group size averages a dozen people per session. Some participants come and are pretty self-sufficient, just looking for some critique, advice, and guidance. Other people register and have never painted. They are offered a suggested supply list. To get them started on day one, Lisa has tools and supplies to borrow. All are welcome!

Senior Center Executive Director Sue Riccio is so happy that the Center offers this to seniors: “Lisa Buglione is a fantastic teacher. The Methuen Senior Activity Center is grateful to have such a caring artist here. Painting is very special. It can bring you to any place that you would like to go. It can bring you to the highest mountain top …. any place that you have wanted to visit but never got to go. Painting is using your imagination and ability to travel in your mind. Never forgetting that friendships are made when you are in a class with others who are painting things they love - whether a family picture, a beautiful sunrise or sunset or to the coast of Italy. Wherever, whatever you choose to draw, it keeps your mind focused, relaxed, and doing what you love,” she said. “Whether you are a seasoned painter or just starting, Lisa will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Classes fill up quickly. Call the Center at 978-983-8825 to reserve a spot or to be placed on the waiting list. Winter session registration opens soon. Classes are open to Methuen residents and non-residents for a nominal fee.

For the upcoming art shows at Mann Orchards Farm store, you do not need to be a student in Buglione’s classes to exhibit your art. All local senior citizen artists are welcome!

For more information on the 2026 art shows, please contact Buglione at 978-852-9153 or by email at Lisa.BuglioneDesharnais@gmail.com. Please contact the Methuen Senior Activity Center for art class information at 978-983-8825. The senior center is located at 77 Lowell Street in Methuen.