Kettering’s unofficial arts ambassador can often be found at Rosewood Arts Centre playing with clay, chatting with fellow artists, or guiding tours through the building. Lynn Wheeler is a staple in the Rosewood community.
Her passion for the arts is a big part of how she navigated the pandemic’s ups and downs. Several years before COVID-19 changed our world in 2020, Wheeler was at a critical point in her life, both mentally and physically. She signed up for her first ever pottery class, and hasn’t stopped since.
“Rosewood saved my life,” Wheeler said. “I started making pottery when I was 58 and realized it’s never too late to learn!” During the pandemic, she realized she could reach out to her Rosewood community if she needed help, and they could also rely on her. “My Rosewood family has become my family,” she said. “I never would have considered myself an artist before I started here; making art has given me more confidence and made me realize I am a real artist!”