Embracing a newfound hobby and exploring their artistic abilities, seniors at Cedar Mountain Commons , a Hartford Healthcare community, hosted their seventh art show, Masterpieces and Mimosas. A six-month preparation that took the audience by storm was held on August 16.
Debra Labbe, Activities Director, Cedar Mountain Commons, encouraged all residents to join the Great Artist program, little did they know their work along with their talent would be 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 is believed to show that participating in artistic activities can help improve cognitive functions and memory as well as improve 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 she moved to Cedar Mountain Commons over 3 years ago 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, 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.
CALA is proud to have Cedar Mountain Commons as a member and would like to applaud them on hosting such an interactive and impactful event! For more information contact Leaja Johnson at Leaja.Johnson@hhchealth.org or 860.406.6864.
