Former Philadelphia teacher and coach presents first art exhibition at age 90.

In a remarkable achievement that transcends age, Seymour Lemonick, a 90-year-old former educator and football coach from Philadelphia, has held his inaugural art exhibition. Lemonick, a self-taught sculptor and woodworker, has ingeniously transformed his Elkins Park residence into a personal museum showcasing his creative journey. His exhibition opened on Friday at MidMod Decor, a bustling furniture and decor store located in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, marking a significant milestone in his artistic career.

The exhibition serves as a culmination of Lemonick’s lifelong passion for art, a pursuit he has engaged with since childhood. Growing up in neighborhoods such as Olney and Oxford Circle, he began his artistic journey through painting and eventually developed a profound appreciation for art history during his time at the University of Pennsylvania. However, as he analyzed the realities of the job market in the arts, Lemonick anticipated limited opportunities and chose to pursue a career in education instead.

Returning to his roots, Lemonick became a history teacher at Olney High School, where he discovered woodworking in the early 1980s. Mentored by a skilled craftsman, he quickly developed a passion for the medium, which allowed him to explore his creativity through free-form carving and lathe work. His talent blossomed, leading him to exhibit hand-carved bowls and vases at craft fairs and join the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

After retiring from teaching in 1991, Lemonick dedicated himself full-time to his art from the confines of his garage, which served as a workshop. Influenced by renowned sculptors like Constantin Brancusi, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore, his work is characterized by modern elegance and thoughtful design. Although he sold some pieces, the primary focus of his artistic endeavors remained on personal expression rather than commercial success.

Despite his accomplishments, Lemonick’s work had not been formally exhibited until recent events propelled him into the spotlight. Following a serious accident last year that temporarily curtailed his ability to create, a social worker named Susan Conner visited him and was struck by the multitude of his artworks spread throughout his home. Inspired by her admiration, she and her sister, Lorrie Baranek, approached the owners of MidMod Decor with a proposal to showcase Lemonick’s work.

Their collaboration culminated in the successful opening of Lemonick’s exhibition, which captured the attention and enthusiasm of the local community. The event attracted friends and family from across the country, celebrating the artist’s debut with great fanfare. Beyond the sales of his sculptures and bandsaw boxes, a raffle for one of his pieces generated nearly ,000 in proceeds to benefit Meals on Wheels, reinforcing the spirit of community support surrounding the exhibition.

Lemonick’s debut, titled “Seymour Lemonick: Unshown Works,” is currently on display through July 13 at MidMod Decor. The exhibition offers an opportunity for the public to engage with the remarkable creations of an artist who has quietly devoted his life to the craft. For further information, visit midmod-decor.com. The exhibition not only highlights Lemonick’s artistic talents but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of creativity, regardless of age.

Media News Source