Norma Robinson Smith, 89, honored for life's work in art
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

The dining room at the Agoura Hills Senior Retreat reveals just a sampling of the fine art created by resident Norma Robinson Smith, 89, who was recognized last week for her lifelong commitment to making the world lovelier with her art, music and dance.

Smith received the Salute America- There's a Winner in You lifetime achievement award for the visual arts at a Sept. 6 event in her honor at the senior residence.

The award to Smith was presented by James "Pasqual" Bettio, California Senior Legislature's retired "Senior Senator," and Jim Levy, executive director, on behalf of Salute America; the Senior Legislature, established in 1980 to advocate for older citizens' needs; and The ARTery USA, a nonprofit organization Bettio founded to promote artists and the arts.

The city of Agoura Hills also presented a proclamation to Smith for her achievements.

Never formally trained, Smith burst upon the art scene in 1949 when she was pregnant with her only child, Andrew, according to her family members. She has painted more than 1,000 works in various media, showcasing portraits, modern art and multimedia pieces at Los Angeles galleries.

"We had so many paintings in our house when I was growing up that I really couldn't move around safely unless I watched every step I took," said Andrew Smith, a Thousand Oaks resident. "I could not lean back on our sofa without getting my hair full of oil from an oil painting that would be balanced precariously on the edge of the sofa."

The visual arts are not Smith's only focus. An accomplished pianist, she also played the viola professionally in string trios and quartets with her late husband, Philip, and sang in choirs. She has performed ethnic dances for a variety of community groups. "I dance to any kind of music," Smith said. "I like to make up comedy dances."

She said she was pleased with the award, one of a number she has received. Several years ago, when she lived at the Park La Brea apartments in Los Angeles, she was chosen as Artist of the Year by the Park La Brea Arts Council.

Smith said it is "fantastic" to be recognized for her artwork, and she talked about combining painting with charity.

"I liked going on my bike and sketching people on the streets who had no homes," Smith said. "I'd leave them money- I felt so sorry for them."

"She painted for the sheer love of art," said her daughter-in-law, Ellen Smith. "She was always changing (her artistic style), always experimenting," she said.

Some of Smith's multimedia works combine paper, lace and even earrings, Ellen Smith said.

Her works hang throughout the senior retreat's dining room. There is a brooding portrait of the late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, nudes done in ink and watercolor, still lifes in oil and several multimedia creations.

The entrance to Smith's apartment is adorned with a signature sketch. Inside, paintings and drawings are everywhere. Ellen Smith's favorite is an ink sketch of her father-in-law playing the cello. Philip Smith, a professional musician, composer and music teacher, died at 104. The couple were married nearly 50 years.

Everyone at the recognition ceremony had a story to tell about Smith and her art. Ellen Smith remembered that when some of Smith's sketches on musical themes were shown by a Los Angeles gallery, one of the pieces was purchased by a rock star.

Smith's grandson, Micah, said his grandmother is a "wonderful woman" and "really funny."

"I've never seen a woman that age make so many jokes," Micah said.

"The life and art of Norma Robinson Smith serves as an exemplary hallmark to the prolific artistic potential which thrives within the artist at any age," Bettio said in presenting the award. "She is a tribute to individual effort and the struggle of the artists of the world."

Smith's son said he was pleased that the event brought "art into the world of seniors."

"Research has shown that art and creativity can dramatically improve seniors' quality of life and health," he said.

"Art provides people with ways to cope with what's happening in life through self expression . . . patients engaged in creative activities require less pain medication and experience fewer bouts of depression," he added. "Recognizing the creative endeavors of seniors is good medicine for all."

The Salute America website calls Smith "the Grandma Moses of the 21st century," and features a quote from her: "Art takes in worldly things. Everything worldly, that's art. Right on."

Many of Smith's paintings can seen at www.saluteamerica.org and www.thearteryusa.org.