Local seniors’ paintings featured in national calendar

Two local artists – Ed Renkowicz, 90, and Anita Choate, 93 – have been featured in the Expressions 2022 Calendar, an award-winning calendar that celebrates active aging and the arts. The artists were selected from applicants nationwide to be included in the full-color wall calendar. They are both featured in the Creative Inspiration section.

Choate was selected for her acrylic painting titled “Peace and Love,” and Renkowicz for his acrylic painting titled “Daisies and Pussy Willows.” They are both residents of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, an independent, assisted living and memory care community in St. Petersburg.

“Painting is something that Anita and Ed both started after moving to the community, and it’s been incredible to watch them grow and thrive as they hone their craft,” said Suzanne Burtzlaff, Executive Director of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “We’re incredibly proud of them for being featured in the Expressions Calendar.”

Choate and Renkowicz discovered their passion for painting during a weekly painting class held at the community. The small class made learning a new skill less intimidating and gave them the instruction and feedback they needed to improve upon their natural abilities.

“I’ve always been interested in art itself, but never knew I had the talent to get involved with it,” said Renkowicz. “I keep telling myself that I have a lot to learn, but I have people telling me that I’m pretty good.”

In the six years that Renkowicz has been painting, he’s completed more than 60 paintings. He has a few in his apartment and has given a dozen or so away to his friends and family. His painting “Daisies and Pussy Willows” was inspired by a photo he saw in a magazine.

Choate was also a lover of the arts before trying her hand at it. The classes at The Fountains have been her only exposure to painting.

“I thought I would just enjoy the class and see what it was all about, and then it progressed,” said Choate. “Painting is very relaxing. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you need to try it. You don’t have to expect anything, just enjoy it.”

The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay offers a wide range of classes for residents through its Watermark University programming. Through Watermark University, residents, associates and families are invited to participate in community life by teaching classes based on passions throughout their lives. In addition to art classes, residents can attend lectures, learn new skills and get to know their neighbors.

“Watermark University classes allow our residents to make room for new possibilities and learn new skills, such as painting,” said Burtzlaff. “It’s never too late to learn something new, and who knows, you could be really good at it. Just look at Anita and Ed!”

The Expressions Calendar is published by Watermark Retirement Communities, a national senior housing operator that manages more than 65 communities nationwide, including The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. This is the 23rdyear that Watermark has published the calendar nationwide. The calendar has been awarded a Mature Media Award from the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) and an ADDY Award® from the Tucson Advertising Federation.

Complimentary copies of the Expressions 2022 Calendar are available while supplies last at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South in St. Petersburg.