Ada M. Passaro is 100 years old today. She will be spending the day with her nephew, visiting art galleries in Santa Ana, and having a birthday meal at Le Chat Noir. If you would like to celebrate Ada, visit the RCAA Gallery on Lemon. Take a look at, and maybe even buy, one of her incredible pastel landscapes. Ada's exhibition closes on October 26th, so you only have a few days.
Ada is a local treasure. She took up pastels at age 80 and has become quite accomplished over the last two decades. I talked with Ada about the magic of places. She has a unique ability to capture that magic. Her work depicting scenes along Highway 395 is fantastic.
Now that the RCAA exhibit is close to completion, Ada told me about her next project: " I've wanted to do a group of paintings about my heritage, my history, and Italy for a long time, and I want to get started on that."
I try to ask poignant questions and avoid cliche, but when someone turns 100, you kinda have to ask what's the secret to getting there. We talked about how she maintains her presence of joy, and she told me that she tries to "Tune out the negativity. I know it's there, but I don't want to let it take over my life." That is as sound of advice as I have ever received. Thanks, Ada! I'm glad to have met you and look forward to seeing what comes next.
