Silent Auction to Raise Money for OLLI

OLLI member and local artist Scott Melville has graciously donated 31 of his framed paintings to be sold by silent auction between now and December 2 to raise funds for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI) programs, operations, and scholarships. These framed egg tempera paintings are currently on display at Sunny Slope and its annex located at 1031 S. College Street in Auburn. Paintings can be viewed during regular University hours of Monday through Friday 7:45 AM to 4:45 PM and bid sheets are next to each painting.

A reception will be held on December 2 beginning at 5:00 at Sunny Slope and the annex with hors d’oeuvres and libations, a wonderful opportunity to mingle with friends and thank Melville for his generosity. This reception will be open to the public and will provide non-OLLI members an opportunity to find out more about this educational program designed for senior adults, 50 years and older. The bidding will close at 6:30, and checks can be made to the Auburn University Foundation.

Melville has a PhD in Physical Education and was a Professor of Physical Education at Eastern Washington University until he retired in 2012. He began his artistic career with an “Introduction to Watercolor” class in 1984 and has been painting ever since. He still works in watercolor, although he prefers egg tempera, even though “it entails a slow process of stippling layers upon layers of colors.” Admitting he is not an abstract or non-representational artist, Melville clearly chooses to capture the beauty of the world around him. This does not mean he strives for realism: “My goal is neither to replicate or distort an image but rather to enhance the mood of the piece through subtly enriching or fading the hues and values.” He works at home “slowly and carefully to get the precise effects” he wishes to achieve. Working by Melville’s side is his wife Julie who carefully mats and frames each piece. When he is not painting, Melville enjoys bicycling, swimming, and reading. He’s a member of the OLLI Poetry Salon, and both he and Julie play pickleball at the Opelika Sportsplex.

Last Updated: November 16, 2021