Minutes before the doors to the annual art show open, the room is calm. After months of preparation, the University Auditorium at Vi at Palo Alto has been completely transformed into a fully realized art gallery complete with exhibition panels, carefully placed lighting and rows of resident-made paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces.
“It looks like a museum,” said CJ Jones, the community’s lifestyle director.
Within minutes, the room is bustling with residents—participants in the show along with their friends and neighbors—moving from piece to piece and stopping to recognize familiar names on the labels.
For resident Gail Walker, who led organizing this year’s show for the first time under the mentorship of longtime chair Diane Churchill, seeing attendees enjoy the final exhibit is a moment of pride for the whole community.
“It really reflects the talent and the creativity of the residents,” said Gail. “It’s a great privilege to make the art visible for the community.”
A palette for creativity and connection
Behind the scenes, the annual art show showcases the work of the community’s arts group, a resident-led initiative that organizes classes, lectures, exhibits and more opportunities for residents to experience art at Vi at Palo Alto.
“We have acrylics, watercolor and a calligraphy class coming up,” said Nancy Montague, a member of the arts group. “I recently went to a collage class that was pretty messy and fun.”
The group works closely with the community’s lifestyle team to bring in instructors and support ongoing programs. “CJ comes to every meeting, and she’s instrumental in offering support in case we might need something in the art studio,” said Nancy.
For many residents, getting involved in the arts group is as much about forming connections as it is about exploring creativity and learning new skills.
“I think the arts group provides a sense of community,” said Gail. “It’s kind of a social thing.”
Added Nancy: “There’s a spark you feel when you’re around other creative people.”
All experience levels welcome
At Vi at Palo Alto, art plays a meaningful role in residents’ daily lives. For some residents, like longtime artist Ann Marie Mix, the programs offered by the arts group—and access to amenities like the art studio—provide a way to continue developing their craft and connect with other artists.
“I’m a watercolor artist, and that was my most wonderful discovery, that there was going to be this arts group here,” Ann Marie said. “When I saw the art studio that I could be working in during my tour, I decided to move here.”
The arts group also welcomes residents who are entirely new to art, encouraging them to try a class or workshop for the first time.
“Living at Vi gives us the freedom to explore things that we didn’t have time early in our lives to explore,” said Gail. “There are people here now who come to the classes, who have never tried it, who have things in the show every year,” added Ann Marie.
Residents say that there are physical and cognitive benefits to practicing art, too. “It helps maintain fine motor skills, boosts emotional health and gives you a sense of accomplishment,” said Gail.
An inspiring annual showcase
The annual art show, which just celebrated its 18th year, is a chance for residents to showcase their work and celebrate their achievements with friends and neighbors. But putting together the show is no small feat.
“It’s a true community effort,” said Gail. Staff help transform the auditorium with proper lighting and gallery-style layouts, and resident volunteers do everything from cataloging labels to serving as gallery sitters throughout the weekend.
“It’s really exciting when all of the artwork is up and we see the whole thing… It really is like the opening of a gallery,” said Nancy.
Residents’ families, friends and visitors from outside the community come to see the breadth of talent on display. Some residents have even sold work after exhibiting it in the show.
“I think it's wonderful for the artists that live here to have an opportunity to show,” said Ann Marie, who had two pieces in this year’s show.
“I really like the opportunity to engage with the artists,” said Gail. “I’m so impressed with their creativity. Their work can really be moving.”
People make the place
Every piece of art begins with the person who created it. And at Vi at Palo Alto, it’s the people who make the community one of a kind. No matter how residents experience art—whether they’re participating in a class, gathering with friends in the art studio or stopping by the latest exhibition—they find opportunities to learn from one another, build connections and share inspiration.
For many, those shared connections are what make life at Vi at Palo Alto so meaningful.
“It’s a very rich opportunity to live here,” said Nancy.
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