Liz Buxton, a resident of Excelsior Place Assisted Living, has been declared a finalist in the Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) premier art competition for senior living residents, the ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase. Liz’s artwork, titled “Birch Trees”, was chosen out of a pool of over 200 submissions from residents of assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities because of her artistic talent and embodiment of this year’s theme, carpe diem, meaning to seize the day.
Liz’s only experience with painting had been paint by numbers. Something about art always fascinated her. She was always drawn to art work. Not having the imagination of an artist, she had the desire. Liz would sign up for art classes where she lived and then her husband would get relocated before she could actually take the class. Then she moved to Excelsior Place Assisted Living where watercolor painting classes are taught. Liz has been able to participate in something she has always wanted to do and loves it!! When we asked Liz what she thought about the theme, carpe diem-“seize the day” she said, “A pleasant day to me has always been nice weather outside. Living in Northern Minnesota you are able to experience a variety in scenery. I have always been interested in painting but never thought I was good enough. I just never seemed to give it a chance.”
Liz’s artwork will be displayed at COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA Conference and Expo, where it will be viewed by thousands of senior living professionals from across the country. Liz’s piece can also be seen on ALFA’s Facebook page at www.alfa.org/facebookartfinalists. Because of Liz’s achievement, she will receive $100 and a set of note cards with her painting printed on the front to share with family and friends.
If Liz’s artwork is declared the ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase Grand Prize Winner by a panel of distinguished art experts, she will win special recognition for her artwork from ALFA at COMMUNITY 2012 as well as a painting party for her community to celebrate her accomplishments and underscore the role community plays in senior living residents’ lives.
”Each day senior living communities all across the country provide supportive environments for residents to continue to enjoy hobbies they’ve pursued all their lives or engage in new ones,” said Richard P. Grimes, President and CEO of ALFA. “The ALFA Senior Living Art Showcase recognizes meaningful and beautiful works of art produced by residents residing in senior living communities. Robust community programs, such as art initiatives, encourage residents to remain engaged in their individual interests while they age with a supportive community around them.”
“We are proud of Liz and all of our artists at Excelsior Place! Many years ago, we made a conscious effort to not just have games and entertainment in our community life programs. Our residents still want to learn, they still want to grow as individuals. Our art program has really been an awesome way for people to unlock talent they never knew they had.” states Roman Bloemke, Director of Operations for Welcome Home Management which operates Excelsior Place.
About The Assisted Living Federation of America
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve. For 20 years, ALFA has worked to educate policymakers and consumers by advocating for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for seniors. ALFA’s member-driven programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of senior living. Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.
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