Barb Abbott, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program art teacher at the Kalispell Senior Center, has painted professionally and taught in many venues for financial gain, but she said she never received as much in return as she has here as a volunteer and through her membership.

“I have more wealth in friends in this class,” she said. “You meet people who enrich your life tremendously.”

She said that applies to all the activities at the center, including exercise and Quigong classes, the singing group, the bingo and card games and the daily congregate meal. Abbott said her main goal is to let people know what is available to them in the former church building at 403 Second Ave. W.

“It’s like a home away from home,” Abbott said. “It’s an environment that’s just happy. It will elevate anyone’s spirits.”

Sandra Marker, an expert water colorist who attends the twice-weekly paint classes, agreed. She said she got more than her money’s worth from her $20 membership at the center.

“It’s the best bargain in town,” she said.

Abbott ticked off potlucks, the free library, field trips and tours, the annual rummage sale, the pool table and computers as other benefits. The center also hopes to start more men’s groups, such as for poker players or pool players.

As Marker spoke during her Wednesday painting session, a chorus sang cheerful tunes just outside the door.

“We sit here and sing along,” Marker said with a laugh. “That’s one reason we like to come in here on Wednesdays.”

Abbott said she believes many people who would enjoy the activities the senior center offers just aren’t aware of the opportunities. The center doesn’t have a website and isn’t that easy to find in the phone book.

She invites people interested in art to drop by her Friday art class to get a feel for the atmosphere. The center schedules an open painting session from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and a 12:30 p.m. art class on Fridays.

Abbott says she doesn’t stand up front and teach at either session.

“The kind of group we have is we just help each other out,” she said.

Lois Sturgis, another water colorist, said that people usually bring in their own art media. Abbott added that the classroom has equipment and a lot of material for inspiration and ideas.

She said the center’s art room has a warm stove, easels and four windows that pour in light.

Marker said most people in the class have had some art experience but got away from it and want to get started again. In her own case, she said she kept waiting to get inspired at home by herself.

“I just had to do it,” she said. “This was just a fun place to come. I didn’t mess up my house. Here, I can make a mess, and I’m not hurting anything.”

Marker said she wasn’t too good when she first returned to painting. Abbott said Marker picked it up almost immediately, but Marker said Abbott’s influence has helped her.

“I didn’t start improving as a painter until I came here,” she said.

Abbott said the class doesn’t exclude beginners. She said people are welcome to come and just dabble.

The main point, Abbot said, is that the center provides a nice place where people have time set aside to do whatever they enjoy doing, whether it’s painting, exercising, singing, playing cards, playing pool or the many other activities on Kalispell Senior Center’s monthly schedule.

“It’s a welcoming, fun place that puts happiness in your life,” she said. “You can’t come in and stay depressed. There’s too much energy and too much laughter.”

People interested in contacting Abbott may call her at 257-5475. For the Kalispell Senior Center, call 257-1598.