Photo by Kim Freithaler
University of Toledo. She moved to Pittsburgh in 1999
and taught at the University of Pittsburgh. She then
decided to change careers and pursue her master’s in
public health at Pitt, graduating in 2013.
Although she’s dabbled in art for the past 20 years, she
started painting in earnest about 10 years ago when she
began taking classes with Kim Freithaler, an instructor at
the North Hills Art Center.
“Rima has grown so much as an artist, and her painting
really moves you, especially with everything going on in
the world right now,” says Freithaler, who also serves as
the center’s executive director.
“With Kim’s guidance through this learning process,
I have evolved remarkably as a painter and as an artist,”
El-Hajje says.
Her favorite medium is oil, using brushes and painting
knives. She painted “Ellis Island Bathroom” using palette
knives instead of a brush because she likes the bold
strokes.
“In an attempt to bring life and movement to the
painting, I applied strong strokes and monochromatic
colors to create depth and texture,” she says.
With more than 100 pieces exhibited, this was the
center’s largest art show to date.
It was El-Hajje’s first art show, and her first win.
“I was really surprised to see that my painting won
the first prize. When I saw the blue ribbon, I was so
overcome that I couldn’t stop hugging my husband and
my three girls with joy and disbelief,” she says. (Her son,
who is pursuing his master’s degree in England, could not
make it to the show.)
El-Hajje says that painting helps her find her voice and
express herself: “For me, painting is a joy. The application
of brush stroke relaxes me and helps me clear my mind.”
One of her goals as an artist is to someday hold her
own exhibition. Her art center win, she says, has inspired
her to pursue that dream.
The North Hills Art Center is located at 3234
Babcock Boulevard and offers classes in painting,
pottery and jewelry making for children, teens and
adults of all skill levels. It also provides after-school and
homeschool programs as well as summer camps for
children and teens. For more information, please visit
northhillsartcenter.com or call 412.364.3622. ■
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