Cedar Mountain Commons' art program inspires senior artists

NEWINGTON – Getting comfortable with their new phase of life, many Cedar Mountain Commons residents have been embracing something new: their artistic side. Their creative talents were on display – and greatly admired – at the assisted and independent living community’s Masterpieces & Mimosas art exhibit held June 6.

Art Wider, who still works with his son in their own scientific equipment business, moved one year ago to Cedar Mountain Commons, located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive. After one of his daughters gifted him with a set of acrylics and with the encouragement of Activity Director Debra Labbe, he began painting. “I realized it is something I could do. It’s relaxing and I enjoy it,” he said, as he showed some of his works to visitors. He estimates he has more than 40 paintings on display in his apartment. “I found my passion here,” he said.

Jean Whyte, who has exhibited her artworks in several Masterpieces & Mimosas shows, also started exploring her creative side when she moved to Cedar Mountain Commons. She has not let her visual impairment deter her from trying new techniques such as Chinese porcelain painting, creating a Pennsylvania Dutch barn sign or experimenting with collage based on a Henri Matisse’s goldfish series. “I had no background in art. It’s just here that I do it. You have to do the things you like to do and I enjoy this,” she said, adding that she has decorated her apartment with some of her works.

Other artists included: Theresa Bibeault, Barbara Erskine, Lucille Faenza, Fannie Farrell, Jane Hilbie, Juliette Jutras, Gina Kosowicz, Loretta Hannum, Kate Hortsmann, Sandy Lewis and Gussie Liss. They each created a piece in one of seven categories which also included Edgar Degas – dancers; Claude Monet – water lilies; Louise Numina – Australian bush medicine leaves; and George Seurat – pointillism.

Labbe introduced the Masterpieces art program in the spring of 2014 to provide art enrichment while encouraging intellectual and creative stimulation. Later that year, the series received the Managed Residential Services Award from Connecticut Assisted Living Association. The community has presented numerous full-scale art exhibits since that time.

Masterpieces has given art enthusiasts like resident Suzanne Mantell the venue to continue studying and creating art. “Whenever you do this art, it is a wonderful time to be together. It’s quiet and calming and makes people feel good,” she said. “It’s a very unique place,” she said referring to Cedar Mountain Commons. “I am very glad to be here.”

Cedar Mountain Commons is a not for profit independent and assisted living community. For more information about Cedar Mountain Commons, visit http://cedarmountaincommons.org.