Every week, Brick & Elm receives press releases about local events, from ribbon cuttings and political town halls to art exhibitions. We’re a small team and unable to attend everything, but one February event recently caught our eye. It was a traditional, curated art show at Trustwell Senior Living at Plum Creek Place, a community for senior adults, located behind the Walmart near Tascosa Road.
The gallery-style show featured several dozen original paintings by 93-year-old resident Betty Wedgeworth, who has lived at Plum Creek for the past six months. And her work was beautiful! Betty no longer describes herself as an active painter, but we were truly drawn to her still lifes, portraits and dramatically lit western landscapes. It turns out she was a prominent artist in the 1970s and ’80s, exhibiting her work from New Mexico to Oklahoma. We even found mentions of her shows in publications like the Ruidoso News.
“We wanted to honor Betty not just as a resident, but as an artist with a story worth sharing,” says Savannah Shields, community relations director at Plum Creek Place. “A gallery-style show felt like the right way to celebrate her talent, her legacy and the beauty of creative expression at every stage of life. Betty is a joy to have in our community.”
With Savannah’s assistance, we asked Betty a few questions about her life and creative career.
Tell us about your upbringing. What brought your family to Amarillo?
I was born in Wheeler and moved around a lot as a child. I came to Amarillo after the loss of my father at age 14.
When did you first realize you wanted to make art?
I started getting interested in art in first grade, and began drawing.
Your work includes still life, portraits and nature scenes. What are your favorite subjects to paint?
All of it!
What does it mean to you for your work to be featured in this art show?
It’s an honor to me and my family. I have had my work showcased all around Texas and New Mexico. 
What is your relationship to painting now?
Although I no longer paint, I still do crafts at Plum Creek Place.
Can you share details about your work career, volunteering or other interests beyond your art?
I was a stay-at-home wife and mother. I reupholstered furniture and made my two daughters’ clothes and both of their wedding dresses by hand.
What have you come to appreciate about living at Plum Creek Place?
My friendships, dominos and bingo.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking of learning to paint or pursue other creative activities?
Just do it! And don’t give up. Not every piece is a masterpiece, but it’s worth it.
Local artist Betty Wedgeworth has four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her family members are among her biggest fans.
