Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
When arriving at Sagewood, a senior living community in north Phoenix, you’ll be met with beautiful works of art in two areas near the entrance.
Each artwork on display was created by a Sagewood resident, representatives there tell the Digital Free Press.
With many art classes and workshops offered at Sagewood ranging from painting to moss art, woodwork, photography, and needlework, the community has an art class to suit every resident’s interest.
“In 2014, we started a display of residents’ three-dimensional creations in a showcase and then dedicated a nearby wall for the display of resident art in 2018,” says Dwight Lanmon, co-curator of the Sagewood art walls and showcase.
“These displays were intended not only to give our community character but to show off the artwork and collections of our residents. Since starting a decade ago, we have been able to highlight the work of more than one hundred amazing artists living in our community.”
Sagewood has three art walls in the community, each displaying up to 15 resident pieces. Displays on the “Sagewood Art Wall” change every six weeks and the “Artists Art Wall” changes every three months.
Most recently, the “Photography Group Wall” was added to display photographs taken by members of the Sagewood photography group. All walls follow new themes during each rotation.
In addition to the walls, the “Sagewood Showcase” highlights unique three-dimensional art. Resident art is also on display at the onsite restaurant, Mesquite Grill.
Participating in artistic activities has been proven to support cognitive function, promote enhanced memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills in aging adults. It is also a great way to socialize and connect with neighbors.
“Residents of all skills levels and backgrounds come to the art classes to experience the connection art provides,” says Naomi Goodell, Sagewood artist and Sagewood Art Wall co-curator. “It is amazing to see those who have never tried art find a passion for it. For our residents to see their art pieces on display, showing it to the Sagewood community, friends and family, is greatly rewarding.”
