Robin Woodworth spent decades surrounded by art. She studied fine arts in college, owned a high-end women’s clothing boutique in California and later worked as a consultant in fine arts and collectibles for Sotheby’s. But somewhere between her career and the responsibilities of everyday life, her own creative practice faded into the background. Until she retired.
Today, Robin’s apartment at Vi at Grayhawk, a Vi and Plaza Companies Community, is home to her own watercolor studio. At her desk near the window, she paints contemporary desert-inspired pieces that show at local shops and galleries across Scottsdale.
“Suddenly, I have a new career in art,” said Robin. “What I didn’t realize was that coming here would allow me to do this. I have so much more time.”
Robin is just one example of a Vi at Grayhawk resident rediscovering old passions, exploring new creative hobbies and finding connection through shared experiences— whether they arrive with a fine arts degree or simply a sense of curiosity and a desire to keep learning.
Learn more by watching the video, at left.
A blank canvas
Leslie Combest never really considered herself an artist. Eager to move beyond “dabbling,” she became a regular participant in the community’s drawing and watercolor class not long after moving to Vi at Grayhawk.
“And I’m just so happy I did,” said Leslie. “It has become a passion.”
Classes meet twice a month and are designed for residents of all skill levels, with many students arriving as complete beginners. Larry Charles, the class instructor and former president of the Scottsdale Artists’ School, blends drawing techniques, watercolor instruction and art history with an emphasis on “brain fitness.”
“We can’t stop aging, but we can slow down the effects of aging processes, and brain fitness is one of the ways we do that,” said Larry. “When you are fully engaged in art, the brain acts entirely differently than it does if you were just to sit mindlessly and watch TV.”
But the classes aren’t just about exercising your mind and honing your skills.
“You just enjoy being with a bunch of other people and laugh together,” Leslie said. “There’s no pressure to get an A.”
Immersed in Scottsdale's rich culture
Scottsdale has long been one of the country’s premier destinations for art lovers, and residents of Vi at Grayhawk have a range of opportunities to explore it together. Through “Art All Around Us,” a partnership with the Phoenix Art Museum, museum educators visit the community to lead lectures on art history and notable works. Residents can also participate in community-organized outings to museums, galleries and exhibits across the city.
“There’s a bus that will take me to the Phoenix Art Museum with a whole group of other people, and we’ll go see a particular exhibit,” said Robin. “I think all of that really enhances your creativity and ability to do things.”
Some residents have an even more personal connection to the city’s art and culture. Over six months, Larry and his students documented every flower blossom in their zip code, painting each one in a specific Art Nouveau style.
“When those 36 pieces were put on a wall as a mosaic, it was a powerful, powerful exhibit,” Larry said. “We didn’t want it to go into a shoebox in the back of a closet.”
So, they found a way to preserve it. After an extensive vetting process, the collection was approved for permanent display at the Appaloosa Library and valued by the city of Scottsdale at $36,000.
“It is an honor to have your work shown in such a public forum,” Leslie said. “I’m very proud of that.”
Finding purpose through art
For Leslie, art became something more personal during a difficult chapter of her life. When her husband moved into the community’s care center, she began doodling to fill the hours. Eventually, her doodles evolved into humorous watercolor greeting cards she sold at Vi at Grayhawk’s annual harvest festival. She sold 100 cards that first year. Her goal for this year? 365.
“To me, art means a relaxation, a joy of giving, a joy of seeing people respond with smiles and giggles,” she said. “I love the way art just gives me that sense of calm.”
Robin, now a member of two watercolor associations including one by invitation only, says living at Vi at Grayhawk gave her something she hadn't expected.
"It's gone beyond hobby for me," Robin said. "I just feel really grateful for the opportunity to have this much free time, my own space and a really supportive community around me."
Drawn together
At Vi at Grayhawk, art is just one way that connection is built through the rhythms of everyday life.
“By taking a class—whether it be yoga, beginning golf or art—you meet at least 10 or 15 other people you’ve never met before,” Larry said. "Most of the people in art classes at Vi tend to then have lunch together or go on theater trips or just socialize."
For Robin, it’s simple moments that remind her just how much this chapter of life has to offer.
“Sometimes my husband and I get dressed for dinner, walk down the hallway toward the lodge and look at each other to say: ‘We are so lucky to be here.’”
Glad to be connected!
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