OXFORD – Marcella McElroy has enjoyed painting and writing for much of her life, but recently her passion for the arts has been renewed. Her inspiration? The idea of seeing one of her pieces appear in an upcoming art show titled Still Creating: The Artistry of Long Term Care Residents.

McElroy and fellow residents at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford have been working diligently on their submissions for the show, which is sponsored by the Chenango County Senior Citizen Council and opens in Norwich this Friday. For McElroy, who turns 77 this month, it is a labor of love.

Although she has painted through the years, McElroy said she only produced about one painting a year before coming to the Vets’ Home. Most of those previous pieces, including one that received first prize at the Delaware County Fair several years ago, have been given to friends and family.

Now McElroy, a recent widow, spends more of her time painting.

“It gives me so much pleasure that I don’t want to stop,” said the artist with a smile. Other residents get joy from her work as well; a crowd often gathers while McElroy paints.

“My inspiration comes from nature,” said McElroy. She is particularly taken by flora and fauna. Many of her current pieces depict flowers and landscapes.