Coloring Draws a Diverse Group

Carol Prag (right) and other Coloring Group members work on projects in the Coffee Bar area of the Social Hall.

The Coloring Group is the newest activity group meeting at Foothills Community Center and also the most diverse. It provides an opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to work on their art skills in a social environment.

Group founder Carol Prag is from Leavenworth. While she’s never done it professionally, Carol has been involved with different forms of art most of her life. When she was younger, she primarily expressed herself through painting, including oil and acrylic scenery and theater set painting. She found painting to be a relaxing, creative outlet outside of work.

Professionally, Carol held a number of entrepreneurial roles over the years. She owned a driver’s education company and also worked as a job search and placement consultant for people with disabilities. She created her own work out of necessity. “In Leavenworth, you either worked at a restaurant or you raked somebody’s leaves,” she quipped.

Now that she is retired, she is focused entirely on art, including coloring and puzzle making. She enjoys these activities because they require focus and dexterity, continuing to exercise her mind.

Carol started the Coloring Group in October 2024 as a way to share her love of art with the community. The group continues to grow — many days, at least a dozen members attend.

Carol emphasized that members are free to explore their own creative path.  “It’s all whatever you see in your brain and that you color… We don’t try to copy each other. We do our own thing,”

Carol’s background working professionally with people with disabilities has contributed to a number of them becoming members of the group. “They are happy to be here on Tuesdays for two hours, something for them to do that they know how to do,” she explained.

She believes that most of the members attend equally to practice coloring and to socialize. “You have some people who color a lot and some that just make a mark on a paper, but they’re here for the social aspect as well. And so am I.”
The group would appreciate donations of adult-level coloring books and art supplies, including art pencils, markers and coloring erasers.

The Coloring Group meets every Tuesday at 1 - 3 p.m. in Suite B, except on the second Tuesday, when they meet in the Coffee Bar area of the Social Hall. Like most activities at the Community Center, attendance is free but membership is required.
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For more information or to attend, contact Lydia Agidius, FCC Program Director, or feel free to drop in during their meeting times.