CLEARFIELD, Pa. — A lifetime devoted to creativity has earned Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield resident Dorothy “Dottie” Evans Crissman a place among Pennsylvania’s most celebrated older artists.
Evans Crissman’s painting, “Cat Picture,” has been selected for the 2026 Older Adult Artists of Pennsylvania Showcase in the category for artists age 60 and older living with dementia. The exhibit will be displayed in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg throughout August or may be viewed online: pa.gov/OlderArtistsShowcase.
“I have always enjoyed painting,” Dottie said. “I used to lead Sip and Paint classes at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield. As my disease progressed, my paintings became more abstract.”
Robyn Womer, LifeStories Director at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, and Kaitlyn Uhl, Director of Nursing, represented Dottie during a special luncheon reception held at Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence on Aug. 4 in honor of the selected artists.
The recognition is especially meaningful for those who have watched Dottie’s artistic journey over the years.
“Dottie is a well-respected local artist who still has a following in the area even in the years since her retirement,” said Miranda Coulter, Area General Manager at IntegraCare, which operates Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield.
Art has been a part of Evans Crissman’s life since childhood. She said one of her favorite memories involved a rainy day when her mother asked her older sister to close an open window, only for her to slip through Dottie’s paints, sending colorful artwork supplies flying across the room.
“The story became a cherished reminder of how early painting became woven into her life,” Womer said. “Her artistic talents were recognized by art teacher Willard Dominick, who encouraged her to continue developing her skills.”
Inspired by Dominick’s mentorship, Evans Crissman spent every opportunity she could in his classroom, refining the talent that would become her life’s passion.
Throughout the years, Evans Crissman became a lifetime member of the Susquehanna River Arts Club (SRAC) and exhibited her work in numerous juried art shows, including those hosted by Penn State Altoona, the Indiana Art Association and SRAC.
She was also a familiar name at the Clearfield County Fair, where her paintings earned numerous awards, including Best of Show.
After retiring as a beautician, she transformed her former beauty shop into the art studio. There, she spent countless hours painting and teaching others through classes in watercolor, acrylics, mixed media and colored pencil.
Her passion for art extended beyond the canvas. She inspired generations of her family by helping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren create artwork for the county fair each summer. Evans Crissman also shared her talents throughout the community, displaying artwork at local businesses including the YMCA, Ethan’s, Laurel Eye Clinic, Clearfield Veterinary Hospital, Lock Haven University and the Shaw Public Library.
“Dottie never stopped learning, regularly taking art classes to strengthen her techniques,” said Brittany Gearhart, Executive Operations Officer at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield. “Her subjects have ranged from portraits and wildlife to flowers, sports equipment, abstract designs and even heavy machinery. Her artwork is both amazing and inspiring to our residents and team members.”
She also used her artistic gifts to give back to the community, helping restore the colors of the historic totem pole at Elliott’s Park in Clearfield and assisting with the restoration of a Humphrey Bogart statue that has appeared at several locations over the years.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging posted on social media about the event at the Governor’s residence.:
“Older artists from across the Commonwealth were celebrated today at the Governor’s Residence,” the Department of Aging noted on Aug. 4. “The Older Artists of PA Showcase is a juried exhibition, open to professional and non-professional artists age 60-plus, that shows creativity has no age limit. This year we also encouraged artists living with dementia to submit their work, recognizing that artistic expression remains a powerful tool for connection, identity, and storytelling. We were honored by their presence and humbled by their talent.”
Art has remained an important part of Evans Crissman’s life even after her move to Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield. When her health permitted, she shared her love of painting with fellow residents by leading Sip and Paint events at the senior living community while encouraging others to discover the joy of creating.
“Dottie’s love of art has given her all kinds of wonderful experiences and interactions over the years, and even still today it is an important part of her life,” Womer said.
Evans Crissman’s selection for the statewide showcase is a fitting tribute to an artist whose creativity has inspired the Clearfield community for decades.
“Her artwork now joins the work of older artists from across Pennsylvania, serving as a reminder that creativity, passion and self-expression continue to shine at every stage of life,” Womer said.
For more information, contact Kellie Strouse, Community Relations Director, Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, at [email protected] or call 814.765.2246.
