Relaxing at home Delphi Art Club member Mary Catherine Carter, with dog Mocha, recently reflected about growing up and creating art in Carroll County. Carter continues to paint weekly with friends. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe A lifelong county resident is living proof that it is never too late to learn something new. After many years of doing what she loves most, she is being honored by the Delphi Art Club during the 2009 Old Settlers Celebration.

Former Carroll County Clerk and 12-year county council member Mary Catherine Carter turned to applying paint to china surfaces in the late 1970s after many years of doing other painting prior to the new venture.

"I am just interested in everything," Carter said at her home in Flora.

Carter is a long-time member of the Delphi Art Club and will be featured in the annual Old Settlers Art Show in the courthouse rotunda and lounge. The 97- year-old painter plans to be present in the courthouse Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Born in Cutler, the artist graduated from Cutler High School where she participated in art classes. She attended Indiana State and Purdue universities and later helped to manage Carter Funeral Home in Flora with her husband. She joined the art club in 1980 and began painting china while working in the courthouse. She continued with classes in Lafayette for many years.

Carter said china painting is done directly on blank white porcelain plates, bowls, pitchers and vases. A glaze is the medium used for the specialized painting.

"You need to understand how to mix colors," Carter explained. "There is no white glaze in china painting, so in order to lighten a color, you need to use another color of glaze."

Carter said that both her children and grandchildren have painted with her over her 29-year painting career, which is still going strong. She continues to paint weekly with friends at her home.

"We don't miss many weeks," she said.

Carter recommended those interested in art, in any media, to join the art club, which meets the first Thursday of most months. The next meeting will be Sept. 3. For additional information, contact president Carol Oliver during the Old Settlers Art Show in the courthouse.