Memories Come Alive at Juniper Village Newark’s Art Show

Vibrant brushstrokes and colorful textiles transformed the common areas of Juniper Village at Newark, a premier senior living community, into an art gallery, bringing to life residents’ memories, experiences, and wisdom. The “Brushstrokes of Life: Sharing Our Stories Through Art” exhibit showcased the creative talents of residents while strengthening community bonds and supporting a worthy cause.

This art show was part of Juniper’s “Alive in All Seasons” February theme focusing on creative expression through the transformative power of the arts. Residents displayed their artwork throughout the community space, with each piece accompanied by a description explaining the inspiration and story behind the creation.

“Art gives our residents a powerful voice,” remarked Nyla Thompson, Connections Director at Juniper Village at Newark. “When we foster opportunities like these for creative expression, we’re not just filling time – we are honoring their life experiences and providing a meaningful way to share those stories with others.”

The event featured a diverse collection of artwork including paintings, needlepoint, and mixed media pieces. Each artwork represented a personal journey, memory, or reflection, allowing visitors to connect with residents through their creative expressions.

Visitors from the local community also joined residents to view the exhibit while enjoying refreshments and live music. The event included a silent auction with baskets donated by AccentCare, Heartland Hospice, Owl Be There, Nurturing Angels Home Care, Griswold Home Care, and Bayada Home Health Care. The auction raised $285, which was donated to the American Heart Association.

“What makes this exhibit special is the collaboration with our community partners,” explained Frank Demarinis, Executive Director at Juniper Village at Newark. “Working with Delaware Technical Community College’s PTK Honor Society and Newark Art Alliance added another dimension to the event, creating meaningful intergenerational connections and showcasing how art brings people together across all ages.”

The partnership with Delaware Technical Community College’s PTK Honor Society allowed students to engage with residents and learn about their artistic processes. This intergenerational connection created a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing the experience for everyone involved.

The “Alive in All Seasons” program at Juniper Village nurtures both new and existing relationships through creative expression, benefitting residents’ cognitive health and emotional well-being, as well as strengthening their social connections within the community. Throughout the year, the program offers a wide variety of artistic opportunities tailored to each residents’ interests and abilities.

The Brushstrokes of Life exhibit exemplified Juniper Village at Newark’s commitment to nurturing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – through creative engagement and community connection. The event honored their unique stories by celebrating residents’ artistic expressions while creating new memories together.

Located at 924 Barksdale Road, Newark, DE, Juniper Village at Newark is dedicated to providing premier senior living care for its residents. For more information, please call 302-455-7979 or visit https://junipercommunities.com/community/assisted-living-newark-de/.