It only takes a stroll into a UnitingSA Aged Care home in Adelaide to know you are in a place filled with rich memories of lives well lived and loved.
UnitingSA is celebrating this by bringing together the unique perspectives, warmth and zest of its artistic residents in an art exhibition titled “The Things We Love” as part of this year’s South Australian Living Arts (SALA) Festival.
It’s the first time all five UnitingSA Aged Care homes have collaborated together to create a SALA exhibition.
‘The Things We Love’ features 24 artworks from residents who have relished the opportunity to put their creativity on show, either individually or as a group.
The exhibition was launched at UnitingSA Wesley House in Semaphore Park on Tuesday 1 August and will tour around each of UnitingSA’s five Aged Care homes, with a special public open day on 24 August at UnitingSA West Lakes from 10am to 4pm.
Wesley House resident Suzanne Carlaw (pictured) submitted three pieces to the art show and says she has thoroughly enjoyed being able to contribute for the exhibition.
Suzanne is pictured with one of her pieces of artwork from ‘The Things We Love’ exhibition.
She is pictured showing off her enjoyment of decoupage which is the art of decorating by gluing together paper cut-outs over an object and painting over them.
“I love doing art and being creative,” Suzanne says, listing drawing, painting and making wooden jewelry as other interests.
“I am always drawing and mostly prefer using watercolours as they are easy to work with.”
Suzanne says that art only came to her as an interest later in life, having decided to take art classes after she was having trouble sleeping.
“I remember only getting a C+ for art at school, but I’ve come to realise there’s no wrong way in the art world,” she says.
UnitingSA’s Aged Care Lifestyle Manager Renee Farrell says putting the art exhibition together has been a great collaborative effort.
“Alongside the individual artists, each location has submitted a group piece that’s been created by participating residents over a number of weeks as a fun and collaborative activity,” Renee says.
“Each piece is fascinating to look at as they capture not only the skills and interests of the residents, but the memories and conversations they’ve had about the things they have loved throughout the years.
“It’s a wonderful exhibition that celebrates the lives, loves, memories, and talents of our Aged Care community.”
As outlined in the 2023 SALA Program, ‘The Things We Love’ Art Exhibition is available for public viewing at UnitingSA West Lakes, 1 Charles Street, West Lakes on 24 August from 10am to 4pm.