DONNA KEATING

As you enter the home of Olga Sitzman you will see many of her colorful oil paintings diplayed upon the walls. However, there is one painting which stands out over the rest. It is a portrait of her late brother, Private 1st Class Theophille “Sweet” Delaneuville, in his Army uniform during World War I. In the background of the painting you will see a vivid rainbow. It is symbolic of the Rainbow Division in which he was a part of. Sitzman also sees it as a sign that the war is over. She painted her brother’s portrait from the only photo her family had of him. Though that was 20 years ago, her work of art is being recognized today. Sitzman’s portrait of her brother titled “WWI Infantry Man” was chosen out of 700 artworks submitted from throughout the nation to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) Honored Artist program. “Sweet’s” portrait will soon be displayed as part of the senior artwork collection at the AAHSA new headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Through Sitzman’s work of art, her brother’s honor and memory will live on. At the age of 18, as he was going off to war, Sweet told his mother, “When I come back, I’ll be a man.” But Sweet never did return home. He died during the war and his body was never sent home. Sitzman and her brother “Sweet” are the descendents of the late Emile and Corine Vicknair Delaneuville of Reserve, who had 14 children. Sitzman remembers loving art ever since first grade. She attended art school at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Mass., while living there with her husband Thomas. At that time, Sitzman was surprised to discover the talent that she had hidden within her. She said, “I must have painted 100 pictures. I only sold one – to make money to give to my brother Shaun when he was short on cash.” In addition to painting portraits and landscapes, she also enjoys paining birds and animals. “I enjoy painting anything with a nice shape or pretty colors,” said Sitzman.