Making It Your Own Way
Robert Michon | Communications Specialist , ARTA Virginia Quist | Senior Creative Designer , ARTA
There are many ways to be creative in retirement , whether you dive back into a lifelong passion or take time to learn a new skill . Here are the stories of two ARTA members who are spending their retirement “ making it ,” using very different approaches .
Ted Gerlinsky A retired teacher , Ted Gerlinsky taught woodworking for thirty-seven years in Bonnyville , Vulcan , and St . Paul . Over the course of his career , he helped to turn many school woodworking programs from casual option courses into full industrial arts programs , giving students the opportunity to dabble in many different pursuits and showing them the varied ways they can create things . Currently living in St . Paul , Ted ’ s passion for woodworking has followed him into retirement , where he continues to create in his home workshop .
“ I have always liked making things ,” says Ted . “ As a result , I have managed to develop a significant workshop in the basement of our house , plus a twothousand square-foot shop in the backyard .”
Ted has made just about everything you can imagine in his woodshop over the years , including grandfather clocks , game boards , furniture , and kitchenwares . Some of his creations are for sale , others he gives away as gifts , and some manage to stick around in his home or around his community showing off his skills to all who visit .
24 | arta . net MAKING IT