The first art show held by Walnut Hills Retirement Community in Walnut Creek lived up to its billing. The Art is Ageless exhibit attracted 50 area artists who entered 117 pieces in the event held August 27 at Walnut Hills Retirement Home.
We were very pleased in every aspect, said Paula Miller, community relations coordinator at Walnut Hills. She estimated more than 300 people viewed the first-time art show.
We were happy with the number of seniors who entered and the high quality of their work, Miller said. To qualify for the exhibiting at the show, entrants had to have completed the work they submitted for judging when they were at least 55 years old.
The various art pieces were displayed in the spacious common areas of the retirement home. The award winners in five different categories were announced at a reception for participants and their family held in the evening of August 26.
A large, vividly colored and finely stitched quilt by Betty Hofstetter, of Millersburg, was judged as Best of Show. Hofstetter said the quilt, titled Star Light, Star Bright, was done from a Jane Martin pattern. First place winners by category included:
Hard Crafts – Wooden Jewelry Box by Richard Schubert, of Walnut Creek. Soft Crafts – A quilt titled Second Hand Rose by Joyce Tomcho, of Walnut Creek.
Paintings and Drawings – A watercolor titled River Run by Marian Stambaugh, of Walnut Creek.
Photography – A color photograph of Mt. McKinley by Randy Starner, of Sugarcreek Miscellaneous – Fuchsia and Pink Garden Necklace by Juanita Schubert, of Walnut Creek.
Jeremy Kauffman, administrator at Walnut Hills, said his staff was a little nervous about holding an art show. In addressing a crowd of 100 people at the artists reception, Kauffman said, We hoped we would get enough entries just to have a show. The response to the exhibit showed that they did not have to worry.
I had no idea that there were this many talented people here, Kauffman said.
In explaining why Walnut Hills held the art show, Kauffman said, Creativity is one of our values. He said they wanted to host a venue to display the artistry of area residents.
Miller said the staff was just thrilled with the response to the show. It took a lot of work from staff members and community volunteers to make it happen, she said. But it was definitely worth it.
Kauffman said they plan on making the Arts is Ageless exhibit an annual event.
