(Posted July 2024)
Volunteer spotlights are wonderful opportunities to learn more about who our volunteers are, what they feel passionate about and how their life’s journey led them to Volunteer Solutions (VS). We learned that accomplished artist and longtime VS volunteer, George Bishop, has a colorful background, literally and figuratively. He’s originally from Philadelphia, PA, and been married for 42 years to Catherine Bishop, an oncology nurse practitioner. They have one adult daughter, and he has three adult children and seven grandchildren from a previous marriage.
In the 1960s, George joined the Air Force to gain knowledge in the field of Information Technology (IT). In Riverside, CA, he worked with punch card automation, programmed circuit boards, and automated machines with wires. He transferred to Omaha, Nebraska, with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) where he served two terms, with a mid-term at headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. While at SAC, he helped develop the first real-time computer and operating system. Additionally, he was strategic in the development of the first early warning satellite in the sky and the first automated airborne command post. SAC was responsible for the development of the war plan and the various scenarios regarding types of attacks that might occur and how to counterattack. In 1973, he was transferred to the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Virginia. In 1975, he joined Computer Sciences in support of government contracts.
George has always been interested in art, since a young age. As a young teen, he would design and build model cars, and painted them in fancy ways. He took several art classes in college. During his time working in Germany, George studied art with old school master artists from 1967-1969, which furthered his passion. He also studied art in California, and in Nebraska.
He primarily uses acrylics and enjoys painting daily. He enjoys all types of art, from still-life to contemporary/modern pieces. He recently won 3rd place for his contemporary painting “Paramecium” in the Young at Art Reston Art Show in 2024. In addition, he creates and builds one-of-a-kind bird houses. He has sold many pieces over the years, and his work can be viewed and/or purchased at the Frame Factory, the Lake Anne community center, and in galleries in Reston.
Fortunately for our community, George generously shares his love of art with senior center participants. He has been teaching art for over 2 years at two senior centers, Sully and Little River Glen (LRG). Now exclusively at LRG, with two back-to-back sessions, two Wednesdays per month. One hour for each session and additional time for set-up and take down. LRG director, Ronja Roberts, explained that his class became so popular that George kindly offered to expand from one session to two to allow more participants to learn and paint. She shared that “participants love him, and he's had a positive impact.” George described how he enjoys seeing their progress and fostering their creativity. He shows them samples that he creates, gives pointers and guidance, and enjoys watching them come up with their own unique interpretations.
Beyond teaching art, George’s history with Volunteer Solutions spans more than 12 years. His roles have included delivering meals, transporting people for errands and appointments, and special projects like Thanksgiving deliveries. In 2020, he also volunteered for the Census Bureau collecting demographic data. When asked what he enjoys about volunteering, George responded, “Meeting and helping people. It keeps you busy and feeling young, and provides feelings of worth.” We appreciate the time and dedication George Bishop has devoted to helping improve the lives of others in our community!
Check out some of George's original artwork!
This article is part of the Department of Family Services Older Adults Volunteer Solutions Caring Community Updates e-news – providing a variety of updates and articles about our volunteers in action. Learn more about Volunteer Solutions.