Annual art history luncheon to highlight life of Elizabeth ‘Grandma’ Layton

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Arts Council will present its ninth annual art history luncheon at noon on Fri., Sept. 9, at the Hannibal Arts Council, 105 S. Main.

The art history luncheon is a special event designed to fit into a workday lunch hour while educating, enriching and engaging through focusing on a famous painter, painting or art period. 

Local artist and educator Pat Kerns will present a program on Elizabeth “Grandma” Layton (1909-1993) following lunch. Layton’s story is a journey of depression, mental health and hope.

Layton, a Wellsville, Kan., native, did not start drawing until 1977 when, at age 68, she took a drawing class at a local university. Her art helped save her from a severe depression brought on by a fight with bipolar disorder. Her work dispels the myths and misconceptions of old age as she examines personally and unexpectedly painful subject matter that rejects the stereotypical image of a grandmother.

Layton’s drawings have been exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Art, as well as in more than 200 art museums and centers throughout the U.S.

The luncheon menu complements the program. Chicken salad on a homemade biscuit, caprese salad, pasta salad, key lime dessert and bread pudding with chocolate chips will be served. Drinks will be provided.

Cost for the program and luncheon is $20. Purchase tickets by Fri., Sept 2, by calling 573-221-6545, stopping by 105 S. Main or visiting https://layton-luncheon.eventbrite.com.