Elaine Omann, long-time OLLI at UNF member, instructor and former volunteer, recently achieved a decade long goal to write and publish an illustrated memoir in the form of a children’s book. “Hepaticas: A Secret in the Woods” is based on her childhood, where she traveled through the wooded area around her home in her small community in Minnesota. Walking through the wooded area and seeing the beautiful natural environment and wildflowers that grew there heavily influenced her paintings. These paintings along with original art she created during OLLI studio painting classes appear in her book. Memoir classes through OLLI’s sister program, LEARN Jacksonville, offered her guidance on writing and self-publishing.
Elaine Omann earned her Bachelor of Science in education and taught for 30 years in the public school system. She completed her master's degree and later earned her doctorate. Elaine developed her artistic skills with fellow artists in Colorado at the Art Student League of Denver. Recently, Elaine’s paintings have been influenced by Maureen Kirschhofer, instructor for OLLI, mostly with the focus on color and design.
Elaine is currently a freelance writer and teaches painting courses at UNF Division of Continuing Education. This is Elaine’s first book but she is in the process of creating her second book. You can learn more about Elaine and her upcoming book at
www.redwagonroad.com
.
If you are 50 or better and would like to learn more about the OLLI program, visit
www.olli-unf.com
.
