Maris Grove Residents Discover New Talents and Friendships Through Arts Clubs

For many residents at Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, retirement has opened a door to something new--the chance to explore their creative side.

With a range of clubs that involve glasswork, clay, photography, fiber arts, and more, there are plenty of opportunities to discover hidden talents and make new friends.

"You have time and energy to try new things," says resident Harriet Widlund, pointing to the community's maintenance-free residences. "It's really wonderful that you don't have to take care of the house anymore. Life is so much simpler!"

"Residents have more free time and can enjoy their retirement," says Community Resources Manager Missy Scheer. "The people who participate in these groups find joy in creating and in the friendships that come from working together."

Custom cards

Harriet helped start the community's popular card-making club back in 2016. Now, she guides the club and welcomes anyone interested in making decorative greeting cards.

"Everything is provided for die-cutting, embossing, and stamping. We also provide markers, ribbon, and beautiful paper," she says. "Some people come in with no prior experience. I teach them by having them make a card. They leave with something they've created, and that is so special."

One resident even decided to move to Maris Grove because of the card club specifically, Harriet notes.

"Our members make such beautiful things. I enjoy seeing their creativity and helping new people learn," she says. "It's fun, it's fellowship, and it extends beyond the group. We see each other in the halls and stop to talk."

Shaping wood--and friendships

Maris Grove's woodshop, founded in 2008, is another creative hub. With over 80 members, the club offers tools, equipment, and camaraderie.

"We have people who make bowls, boxes, toys, and kitchen items. Others join just to borrow tools," explains resident Ted Tannenbaum.

Ted admits that he came in as "more of a home repair guy than a woodworker." But, surrounded by knowledgeable peers eager to share their skills, he quickly expanded his abilities.

"There's so much knowledge in the shop, and people are willing to share it," he says. "We train everyone in safety, and we tell newcomers, 'You can't do anything wrong--just give it a try.'"

Beyond personal projects, the shop supports the community by repairing furniture and building items for other clubs.

"It's amazing, the friendships people make. One person helps you meet the next person, and soon you're trying new activities," Ted adds.

Brilliant glasswork

For those drawn to color and light, the glasswork group provides the perfect opportunity to express creativity.

"We have 17 members, each doing something different--jewelry, dishes, pendants, or seasonal items like ghosts and Santas," says resident Pat McBride. "It's interesting how every person has their own style."

Pat started in watercolor painting before moving to glass. She now leads the group, which operates four mornings a week in the studio. In fact, it is so popular that there's a waiting list.

"Most of us had never done glasswork before moving here," Pat notes. "We encourage people to try it. You start with a flat piece of glass, decorate it, then fire it in the kiln. The results are always exciting."

A supportive community

Whether it's wood, paper, glass, or clay, all of Maris Grove's arts groups have one thing in common--a welcoming environment.

"The clubs work together and often share tools, ideas, and encouragement," says Scheer. "That's how friendships form."

One beloved community tradition is the annual craft fair in October, bringing crafters together from every discipline. Residents sell their work over two days, with proceeds supporting community funds.

"It's a wonderful showcase of resident talent," says Scheer.

Rediscovering creativity

Many residents are surprised by what they can accomplish. Harriet recalls teaching a newcomer who declared she wasn't artistic. "She made a beautiful card, and when she mailed it to her family, they were touched. That's the joy of it--you realize you can create something meaningful," she says.

For Ted, the woodshop is less about perfection and more about participation. "We've all made mistakes, but that's how you learn. The important thing is to try. See what motivates you and pushes your imagination," he says.

And for Pat, it's about companionship. "When I moved in, someone told me to join everything so I could meet people. That's how you build community."

At Maris Grove, the arts are more than hobbies--they're opportunities for friendship, self-expression, and fulfillment.

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Julia Collins
Contributing writer