From watercolor and oil paintings to needlepoint pieces and sculptures, the new art wall at Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is covered with stunning works of art created by community members.
“When your work is on the wall, it’s like you’re famous for a month!” says community member Janice Coons, with a smile.
The art wall was unveiled on the first floor of the community’s clubhouse earlier this year to a wave of excitement.
“For me,” says Janice, “I most appreciate seeing the incredible work of other resident artists. By sharing our art on the art wall, we learn something about each other that we otherwise wouldn’t know.”
Now, Janice and several of her neighbors are busy with the painting club each week to ensure the art wall is never empty.
Time for creativity
Janice always had a passion for painting, but it was hard to find time to pull out her brushes while raising children and working as a teacher.
When she moved to Devonshire in 2021, not only did she gain plenty of free time to paint but a supportive community that would motivate her to pursue her passion.
“I began attending the weekly painting club,” she says. “It’s not a class, but an opportunity to get together and paint among a group of supportive artists. Some have been painting their entire lives, but others–like me–are just getting started. The gatherings really help bring out what I am able to do.”
The club, started by community members Faith and Harvey Spitz, meets each Thursday from 1–4 p.m. and is open to everyone who resides at Devonshire.
“Our group is thriving,” says Faith. “We all enjoy spending time together. We listen to music as we paint and feel comfortable asking each other for critiques. Some members are professional artists, but most are amateurs, taking up painting in retirement and having a lot of fun.”
Lots to learn
Painting primarily with watercolors, Janice has learned a lot from the group.
“I appreciate the challenge of watercolors, as the water struggles for ownership of the piece,” she explains. “I’m learning to maintain the water’s path and its intensity.”
Like Janice, community member Carole Hartless began painting in earnest after joining the painting club.
“I’m so thankful for the group, as they’ve really helped me start painting again,” she says. “The group is made up of the most wonderful artists. It’s a very cooperative group. We all see differently–getting different perspectives is helpful.”
She continues, “I recently experimented with a painting of a woman playing the violin, using lots of vibrant colors. I really enjoy the opportunity–and the encouragement–to try new ideas.”
Works on display
The art wall changes each month, giving everyone the chance to share their creativity with neighbors.
The wall often showcases photographs, needlework, sketches, and sculptures–in addition to paintings from the painting club, of course.
Recently, Janice’s striking, intricate watercolor painting of a ballerina dressed in blue was displayed on the art wall.
This past summer, Harvey’s oil painting depicting a street scene with people standing in the rain was showcased.
“The inspiration for this painting came from watching different artists on YouTube. I saw something very colorful that intrigued me,” Harvey explains.
Currently, he is working on a piece–using paint, balsa wood, and straws–that captures the view from his apartment home. The decision to include mixed media was inspired by Faith, who enjoys adding three dimensional layers to many of her paintings.
In fact, Faith’s abstract painting of a living room recently hung on the art wall.
“I added silk flowers to the painting and sequins to the pillows,” she says. “It gives the painting a little pizzazz. That’s really one of the best things about painting–the sky’s the limit.”
A supportive community
Amazed by the ambition that painting club members bring to their easels each week, Faith and Harvey are glad that Devonshire offers a way for community members to share their creativity.
“We are so grateful that Devonshire encourages not only our creativity, but that of our neighbors. It’s a beautiful thing,” she says.
“The art wall is wonderful,” adds Carole. “Everything submitted is hung on the wall because everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves. And we, as a community, enjoy celebrating their expression.”
To learn more about vibrant, independent senior living at Devonshire, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.
