Creative talents shine at any age
An arts program has unlocked the creative talents of people living at a Nundah aged care service, and the results will be on display at the annual Zion Art Show.
With the theme Spring: Balance, Movement and Expression, more than 50 residents will be displaying the fruits of their creative explorations through visual art and performance.
Zion’s art show regularly attracts several hundred community members, and this is reportedly the first time residents will perform and show their work alongside established artists such as Anne Jarvis and Val Gregory.
The Zion Singers and the dance group will perform from 10:45am.
Resident, Bruce Leckie, says he is enthusiastic about dancing – some of which is done seated, leading and following each other’s movements. Resident, Lyn Curry, adds she dances because it makes her ‘feel positive’.
Resident Bella Ryan agrees that creative activity has beneficial effects, stating that picking up pen and paper during the art group had saved her ‘from the doldrums’.
“I just love to draw … it’s both relaxing and therapeutic,’’ Ms Ryan says.
There will be a mix of residents' paintings and drawings in the exhibition.
Elise McKenzie, Lutheran Community Care creative activities and arts coordinator, says enabling residents to express themselves creatively is a way of honouring and valuing their life stories.
“One of our residents, Bob Goakes who, in his youth, did lots of painting and was involved in the arts scene, is being supported to lead some of the sessions,” Ms McKenzie says. “He loves to share his skills and its validating for him and the other members of the group to be able to express themselves in whatever way they can.’’
The Zion Singers have been together since 2011, with four original members still attending the weekly sessions.
This will be the first time they perform outside of the aged care service.
Resident, Thelma Bocks, enjoys giving her vocal chords a workout. “I was never a singer but my husband was and he would love to know ‘his girl’ was joining in. It puts me in a happy place,’’ she says.
Artwork and the Zion Singers’ CD will be available for purchase.
Proceeds go towards funding services at Zion aged care service.
What: Zion Art Show – visual art and performance
When: Saturday 20 September, 10am-4pm (performances from 10.45am)
Where: St Paul’s Lutheran Church hall, Buckland St, Nundah
Contact: (07) 3266 5911
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