ElderWood residents create “Art from the Heart” for 2010 calendar

ElderWood residents create “Art from the Heart” for 2010 calendar

AMHERST, NY – Two ElderWood Senior Care residents will have the pleasure of seeing their artwork take a special spot on the wall – on a calendar printed by the New York State Health Facilities Association’s Foundation for Quality Care.

In summer 2009, ElderWood residents submitted their best work to “Art from the Heart,” a program launched five years ago to showcase the creative spirit of residents in nursing homes across New York State. Each facility may send just two submissions. The choice is difficult and sometimes wrenching, because each painting represents something very personal to the artist. Statewide, 70 pieces were submitted; 13 were chosen for inclusion in the foundation’s 2010 calendar.

“Barbara’s Garden,” by ElderWood Health Care at Linwood resident Barbara Mashlonik, was among them. Barbara, an ElderWood resident since 2004, discovered her artistic talent later in life. Primarily working in oil, she enjoys painting still life subjects, landscapes and winter scenes and has been known to paint on brown paper bags and old draperies when canvas wasn’t available. She is a past member of the Lancaster Arts Society and has occasionally exhibited her work.

“It gives me pleasure to express myself,” said Ruth Layer, whose art also has been selected for the “Art from the Heart” 2010 calendar. A resident at ElderWood Village at Maplewood since 2006, Ruth created her winning piece in an art class conducted through the facility’s wellness department.

ElderWood recognizes the importance of art as a creative outlet and all our facilities incorporate art into their weekly activities. Some residents have always enjoyed drawing or painting. Others are delighted to discover talent they never knew they possessed. For those who have lost the ability to verbally communicate due to illness, art is a significant means of creative expression. Programs like “Art from the Heart” provide older artists with a wider audience. A resident whose art is selected for inclusion in this and other programs feels a sense of accomplishment and a powerful boost to their self-esteem.

“Art from the Heart: 2010 calendars are available for sale through the New York State Health Facilities Association website, www.nyshfa.org.

ElderWood Senior Care provides skilled nursing care, subacute care, rehabilitation, assisted living, independent living, memory care, cardiovascular transitional care and respiratory care to more than 5,000 people each year at 17 locations in Western and Central New York. Fourteen ElderWood facilities in Western and Central New York have earned either Step 1, Step 2 or Step 3 Quality Awards from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, the most prestigious honor in long-term care. For more information, visit www.elderwood.com.