Building a Community Through Art

The joy of art is universal. It can take people to new places, inspire new ideas, and connect people in all walks of life – including right here in our Seattle retirement communities. 

Every four months, Era Living’s senior living communities kick off a new art display with a festive opening gala. These events feature local artists, a chef-inspired display of food and drinks, and a chance for attendees to enjoy a sense of community where all are welcome. 

Making space for celebrations 

Attending an art gala can be a fun and engaging experience – whether you’re an avid art-lover or brand new to the art scene. Galas are open to Era Living residents and people in the community who want to enjoy a celebration of creativity and connecting with others.

Most Era Living galas feature art demos where the artist shows attendees how they make their art. This provides an opportunity to ask the artists questions about their process, the materials they use, and their inspiration. When the demo is done, artists frequently donate the piece they created at the show as a door prize for a lucky attendee to take home with them.

Anna Macrae is an accomplished artist who has been helping to curate art for Era Living for about 10 years. She has seen firsthand the impact that art can have on residents and gala attendees.

For instance, a landscape scene might catch their eye and seem familiar to them. “A lot of the imagery could strike up some memory or some conversation,” says Anna. Sharing these observations and talking with other attendees can help identify interests or experiences in common.

Art as a tool for storytelling and legacy

In addition to hosting local artists, Era Living communities also host resident art shows, where people in the community have a chance to showcase their own work. Many residents are artists themselves or have pieces of art that they have created throughout their lives.

Anna, who also helps curate the work for resident shows, remarks on how much talent there is in the community. “There’s a lot of history and stories behind their work,” she says. Having an opportunity to display residents’ personal pieces shows a different part of who they are and provides a way of connecting with each other. Art can also provide a way to preserve personal and family history for generations to come.

Residents have shared all kinds of art and different mediums, including quilts, needlepoints, and travel photos. Anna recalls one resident who shared a piece about World War II and her family. Being able to share these items can help relay life stories and create meaningful bonds. 

“It’s all about connection and getting people together,” says Anna.

Art therapy and well-being

Along with opportunities for creativity and socialization, art can offer many health benefits.  

A report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined the role of arts in improving health and well-being. It reports that benefits can include:

• • • Positive emotions in our daily lives
    • Life satisfaction
    • An enhanced sense of meaning, control, autonomy, and purpose in our lives

The positive health benefits of art have given rise to art therapy for people of all ages, including many older adults. Art therapy uses creative activities like drawing or painting to help support people’s mental health. In examining how the brain is affected by art, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine found that art therapy can help people:

• • • Reduce stress and lower levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone
    • Improve focus, helping people be more present
    • Process emotions and improve self-understanding
    • Improve communication skills and foster self-expression
    • Imagine a more hopeful future and help predict and make decisions

Join us at one of our next gala receptions

It’s no doubt that the celebration of art is a highlight at Era Living – and it’s something that makes our retirement living communities special. Rotating art displays and gala openings help spark connections, engagement, and creativity. All of these can play a meaningful role in happiness and healthy aging. 

In addition to supporting the resident experience, art galas can be a great way to get acquainted with Era Living if you’re considering a Seattle retirement community for yourself or a loved one. Senior independent living can provide access to enriching activity calendars and services like dining, with the autonomy of living on your own. Along with independent living for seniors, Era Living also offers other senior housing opportunities, including assisted living and memory care for residents who need extra support.

Now is a great time to check out our events calendar and find out about upcoming art galas and events, we can’t wait to see you there!

Upcoming Art Events:

• • • Mercer Island First Friday Artwalk 5:00 – 8:00 pm