Ernestine Medley has never been one to rest on her laurels. “I can’t sit and twiddle my thumbs,” she said.
Named after her dad, Ernest, Ernestine – or “Ernie” as everyone calls her – wasn’t afraid to lend a hand – or get them dirty – while working on her family’s farm when she was a teenager. Once married, Ernie helped her husband Gene with all of the duties on their farm as well as with his business building and remodeling homes. The couple raised two children, Robin and Rocky.
It wasn’t until later in life that Ernie discovered her love and talent for the arts and crafts. “I did a little painting but mostly after they (the children) were grown and had left, so I had more time. I also did embroidery, cross stitched and quilted,” said Ernie.
When Ernie picked up a new hobby, she was known for being all-in. The same was true when she tried painting and she eventually got to a point where she was always working on a piece.
“I would just paint everything,” Ernie said. “I painted winter scenes, I’d paint on big Christmas bulbs, and I liked to paint animals. I can’t do portraits – I can do faces, but they might not resemble anyone you know.”
She hadn’t heard about PMMA’s Art is Ageless® competition until her friend and former Farmington Presbyterian Manor resident Gene Thompson told her about it and convinced her to enter.
She had two winning pieces in the 2026 Art is Ageless® competition. Her painting, “Friends – maybe” is featured in the calendar and her piece, “Mollie” was selected for a greeting card.
“I was surprised and really didn’t expect that,” said Ernie.
Another thing about life Ernie didn’t expect was raising two children who are both artists. “We’re the only ones that ever painted in my family that I can remember. I don’t know where it comes from!”
Ernie’s daughter paints mostly watercolor and her son likes to paint scenes from old black and white photos. “They’re better than I am, really,” said Ernie.
Over the last several years, Ernie hasn’t painted like she used to due to macular degeneration that is affecting her eyesight and a stroke that prevents her from holding a paint brush very well. But she’s found joy in diamond painting – making a picture with small gems – and admiring all the art in the Art is Ageless® competition each year. She also plays bingo and enjoys spending time with her cat.
“It’s all about your attitude. This is where I’m at, and I’m making the best of it! I feel good and I think I’m blessed at 91,” said Ernie.
