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This presentation tells the story of Frances Hains, a young hearted 90-year-old woman who taught first grade for 37 years, then retired and enrolled in art classes. That was more than 30 years ago, and since that time she has painted her way across all seven continents as a way to deal with her grief after her husband died. Her favorite pieces are displayed on her wall, and she has given many to family and friends, but several hundred unframed pieces remain under her bed, stacked in large plastic bags. Assisted by a walker, she still meets regularly with the group of friends who started out as an art class; they continue to get together and paint once or twice every month. The group has become a support group to each other on their journey through the losses that accompany aging. Time has taken its toll, and only 6 of the original 15 members of the group now meet. Several have died, and others have had to drop out due to health problems. One man has macular degeneration and no longer paints, but he still comes sometimes, just for the company. An all time high point for the group came last fall, when Frances hosted an exhibit of her paintings and watercolors at the assisted living facility where she lives. A few days before the show Frances was featured in the newspaper, and the turnout was amazing. And all of the five remaining members of the art class came to the exhibit, to celebrate the remarkable accomplishment of their friend. When asked what it was that had kept them together all these years, the group offered, "It gets you out, and keeps you in touch." Being together transforms them, allowing them to leave reality behind for a while.