Even if you do not have an innate talent for painting, there is something about picking up a brush and painting on a canvas that can alter your state of mind. Painting is believed to be one of the best remedies to get rid of stress.

By putting all your attention on the brush strokes and the colors that you use, you are introducing your body into a calmer, more focused state of awareness. Painting is also an outlet for self-expression. Sometimes, if you do not exactly know what to paint and you just let your instincts guide you, the end result is a piece of art that reflects your inner state of being. In fact, psychologists often use drawings and paintings to evaluate the mental and emotional condition of their subjects.

In several studies, it was found that individuals who regularly paint tend to be less anxious, less prone to illness, and have a healthier sense of self-esteem than those who do not. It seems that this is not just true for painting but for other art forms as well. Most individuals who are passionate about the arts and engage in creative activities seem to derive more satisfaction out of life and are happier in their personal relationships.

If you have not yet chosen a creative pastime, you might want to pick up a brush and try your hand at being the next Picasso or Monet. The Senior Center will be hosting a beginners water color art class starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Linda Draper will walk you through step by step drawing and painting techniques to paint the fluffy young duckling. All supplies are provided. To sign up for this class stop by or call the senior center front desk at (507) 433-2370 ext. 0. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; Naps, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, s9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Movie “Awakenings,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Art Class, 10 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Exercise Class, 5 p.m.; Zumba 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

April 2nd, four tables

1st Bud Higgins, 2nd Jaynard Johnson, 3rd Loretta Nelson, 4th Betty Jorgensen, 5th Larry Larson, 6th Judy Bungum

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

April 3, four tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd Dave Solomonson, 2nd Lorraine Lippert; 3rd Dick Hansen, 3rd Larry Crowe; 4th Ray Schmidt, 4th Gayle Schmidt; 5th Joyce Crowe, 5th Marge Blaser

Tuesday “500”

April 3, four tables

1st Beulah Luthe, 2nd Betty Fisher, 3rd Dorothy Stern, 4th Helen Broitzman

Pinochle

Thursday, April 4

1st Joy Clark, 1st David Solomonson

Friday Bridge

Closed

Weekly Cribbage

April 4, 2 1/2 tables

1st Burt Svedine, 2nd Mercedes Nordstrom, 3rd Russ Vaale

Weekly “500”

Closed

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Meatloaf

Tuesday: Roast turkey

Wednesday: Baked ham. Alt: Cod

Thursday: Chicken broccoli bake

Friday: Swiss steak