“It was definitely worth it.
What I had planned was far exceeded. ”This is Gerd Lepic's conclusion on his senior citizens' project“ Summer of Colors ”, which is now ending.
FROM SABINE CLOSER
Oberhausen -
Since some of the resulting works can currently be seen in the Café Hey Schaffner at Huglfing train station, the final interview is planned there. But on this beautiful October Sunday, when there is also a flea market on the premises, there is unbelievable hustle and bustle. Where can you find a quiet place for a conversation? Finally we set up two chairs behind the café in front of the tracks. The train traffic is not that busy here in rural areas. But as soon as we are deep in conversation, an ICE rushes past and brings a breath of fresh air into the late heat. Lepic also wanted to bring such a breath of fresh air to the region with his “artistic and cultural intervention for seniors”. The project comprised four formats. First of all, there were the face-to-face offers in Lepic's studio in Oberhausen. "They were very much in demand",he tells. “Because for many seniors it was precisely the exchange and socializing at these course dates that mattered.” This offer was then also in great demand in the rooms of various institutions in Weilheim and Peißenberg. "For example, I could go to the Peißenberg senior citizens' home every day, the demand there is so great," Lepic smiles.
Contact-free offer - the "toiletry bag"
In addition, there was the contact-free offer of the “culture bag”: Anyone who shied away from social contact due to the pandemic or who could not leave the house for health reasons was supplied with work materials by post from Lepic.
In the immediate vicinity he has extended the bag on his bike.
The feedback was then given by phone or WhatsApp.
"I also exchanged letters with an older lady," says Lepic with a smile.
On the road with a converted fire engine as an art mobile
And finally, he and his wife Uta Schnuppe-Strack drove directly to retirement homes or community centers with their fire engine, which had been converted into an art mobile, in order to present their offers on site. Her second summer project “Arts open worlds”, which was aimed at children and young people, took them to the Weilheim youth center in a fire engine. “Many children came with their grandma or grandpa,” reports Lepic. "And some of them then took part in our senior events."
But the success of these activities is not just felt, but can be proven with figures: 84 working hours were planned in advance;
it became 162. And the demand was even greater.
Of course, this also had an impact on the finances: Lepic had planned with a requirement of 7,500 euros, but he spent 10,500 euros.
"I am very grateful to the Weilheim-Schongau district office because I received 2500 euros from there without any red tape," explains Lepic.
He has now sent his report to the Socioculture Fund in Bonn, the actual sponsor of the project, and hopes to receive the promised 6,000 euros.
Lepic will not be reimbursed the remaining amount.
"Not entirely true: the Oberhausen community contributed 100 euros," he adds.
Gerd Lepic is planning another campaign for 2022
But Lepic sees the ideal success. He enthusiastically explains the works that are exhibited in the café at the train station. They cover an immense range: from fantastic realism (a centaur with an owl and cat) to a portrait of a person who has completely exhausted his head and arms on the table (empty bottles and glasses indicate an alcohol problem) to a rural one Idyll with three happy cows. A tree picture proves to be an experimental work: the artist tore up sandwich paper, glued it on and painted over it. This work was created in his studio, says Lepic, pointing to a conventional flower picture opposite: “It comes from the same painter; he made that by himself at home. This is a good example of how it works ideally: Get the inspiration in the group,to continue working alone. "
Lepic is already planning for 2022, with a focus on work in the retirement home: "That is where the need is greatest."
