Artist's Corner
George Zantua
by Becky Huber
Feb 27, 2013
New Artist Installed at Lakewood History Museum
On February 20th, George Zantua, the newest member of the Rainier League of Artists, installed his artwork in the very popular Artist’s Corner in the Lakewood History Museum. An evening reception is planned for Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.
He began doing art for fun in high school and even considered getting a Fine Arts degree. However, his desire to help others led him to the University of Washington for an education in social work. His art took a “back burner” except for selling some for additional income or donating it to fund raisers for community organizations.
After attaining a graduate degree in guidance counseling, he worked at various jobs, including vocational school counselor in Seattle, investigator for the Washington State Human Rights Commission, counseling supervisor for employment programs in Hawaii and counseling supervisor for homeless programs at the Metropolitan Development Council. .
After ending a 30 year career in counseling, he found the opportunity to continue helping others in a way that incorporated his artistic talent. For the last four years he has worked part time at the Nativity House in Tacoma, a daytime facility for the homeless that serves over 150 clients daily. He coordinates the activities for the Art Room on the second floor of the facility.
Many clients who have difficulty in socializing in groups gravitate to the Art Room. George provides a quiet, restful environment for budding artists to explore the world of art. When asked if he taught them art classes, he replied, “No, I just coach.” A number of his students have produced wonderful compositions that are on display at the Museum.
He has had artwork displayed in the Tacoma/Gig Harbor/Puyallup area and participated in shows at the Tacoma Art Museum, the Native Quest Cultural Center and in Puyallup at the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage Center.
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