George Zantua's Art on Display in History Museum
by Becky Huber
Mar 06, 2013
George Zantua is the newest member from the Rainier League of Artists whose artwork is on display in the Artist’s Corner in the Lakewood History Museum, 6211 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood.
George 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 of his art for additional income or donating works for fund raisers to community organizations.
After attaining a graduate degree in guidance counseling, he worked at various jobs to include a vocational school counselor in Seattle, an investigator for the Washington State Human Rights Commission, a counseling supervisor for employment programs in Hawaii and a counseling supervisor for homeless programs at the Metropolitan Development Council.
After ending a 30 year career in counseling, George found the opportunity to continue helping others and incorporate his artistic talent. For the last 4 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 will be available for sale in 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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