Embracing a newfound hobby and exploring their artistic abilities, seniors at Cedar Mountain Commons hosted their seventh art show, Masterpieces and Mimosas. After six months of preparation, the seniors were able to display their work on August 16.
Debra Labbe, activities director for Cedar Mountain Commons, encouraged all residents to join the Great Artist program. Not long after, their hard work and talent were on display for friends and family to enjoy.
Labbe introduced the Great Artists program in the spring of 2014. Later that year, the series received the Managed Residential Services Award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. The program aims to show that participating in artistic activities can help improve cognitive functions, memory, self-esteem and well-being.
Fannie Farrell, resident and member of the Great Artist Program, who has exhibited her work in the Masterpieces and Mimosas Art show, raised 11 children while being an extraordinary baker and cook. She often found herself with little time to take on a new hobby, until three years ago when she moved to Cedar Mountain Commons and discovered a new passion for art.
“It is a great class to be in. Art takes you away from all of the mundane that life can sometimes hold,” Farrell says.
Other artists included Anne Lyman, Vivian Jakubaitis, Rita Czarkowski, Donna Szarwak, Therese O’Hare, Dorothy Olczak, Maureen Reale, Robert Ouellette, Elizabeth Choolgian and Maxine Forgione. Each artist created a piece of the six categories exhibited, and over 40 pieces were displayed.
Exhibitions included:
- Claude Monet Japanese Bridge
- Van Gogh Sunflowers
- Van Gogh Starry Night
- Edgars Degas Ballerinas
- Dale Chihuly Flowers
- Gustav Klimt Tree of Life
Each month, for six months, one artist was covered in preparation for the art show. Residents were educated on the history, artistic style and experience of each artist.