Cutler Bay Seniors' Creativity on Display at Cauley Square Art Exhibit

Being creative is not just a hobby for Ana Maria Gonzalez; it’s a way of life. For more than 30 years, she’s enjoyed creating paintings, ceramics, and other forms of art. A couple of years ago, she decided to harness that passion and began teaching ceramics to her neighbors at East Ridge at Cutler Bay senior living community – and they’re loving it. Many of them had never touched clay before, but you would never know that while looking at their art now on display for everyone in Miami to see.

The ceramics classes at East Ridge also were launched as a way for this close-knit group of seniors to reconnect and stay active. The group of 10 seniors meets every Monday morning at 10. Ana Maria demonstrates how to create a piece of art while the residents mimic her. The entire process takes days as they must wait for the clay to dry. Then they fire up the kiln and finish by glazing their masterpieces.

Over the years, their creations have ranged from bowls and flowers to even a sculpture of Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican painter. The classes are a wonderful way for the seniors to not only stay active but also spend time connecting with their neighbors. Studies show creative arts programming, like this ceramics class, can lead to decreased rates of psychological issues – and it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn something new for the seniors.

This year, their art is on display at DGabay LLC Art Gallery, located at 12320 SW 224th Street in Miami. The exhibit runs through Saturday, April 1.