PADUCAH, KY - Culpepper Place celebrated the winning art of one of its beloved residents on Thursday. Paducahan Eugenie "Janie" Orr recently learned she was one of five winners in the Emeritus Senior Living 2012 Holiday Greeting Card Contest.

Emeritus owns 383 facilities for senior living across the United States. The holiday contest invited residents that live in its facilities to enter original art that will be used on the company's 2012 Christmas cards. 

Orr was stunned and happy to learn she was one the finalists and then, when all the votes were counted, actually one of the top five winners. She was gracious as she spoke to friends and family who gathered in her honor at Culpepper Place. "I was so surprised to learn about this and still not sure it's real. It's pure joy to know my painting was so well received. I give all the credit to my teacher Susan. She's the one. . ." 

Equally proud of Orr's accomplishment is her art instructor at Culpepper Place, Susan Durrett. Since this was Orr's first time to take art lessons, Durrett was thrilled to share in the celebration. "This is as good as it gets as an art teacher," said Durrett. "We're all very proud of Janie and this just shows what we can do when we allow ourselves to be creative."

When word of Orr's painting being in the top ten favorites came to Culpepper Place, the residents rallied with support. Most were not on Facebook so they forwarded the info via email or phone calls, making copies of the info and sharing with as many as they could reach. Winners were decided by online voting. Facebook votes came in from Orr's many friends and family across the country. Her painting is shown above and to the left.

Janie, as she is lovingly called, was born in Chicago. However, Paducah claims her as our own because she has lived here for decades. Her late husband (of 64 years) was Dr. Pitmann Orr. They raised three children; Sarah, Pitt and Chuck. They also have three grandchildren. As an avid gardener and long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church, Orr was also a teacher. She hadn't thought of herself as an "artist" before this, but now she can officially add that to her resume. When asked what's next for you, she replied, "I think I'd like to take piano lessons."