The Return of the Resident Art Gallery Showcase – “Art-standing!”

By Christine Hall

After five long years, the first reception to showcase pieces of art produced by multi-talented Franke Tobey Jones residents was held on Monday, February 3rd, in the first-floor hallway of the Lillian Pratt building. Residents and staff came together to celebrate art and the return to an in-person art showcase hosted by Heidi White, Director of Life Enrichment, and curated by Resident Art Committee Chair, Joy Drewfs.

A Beloved Tradition

A beloved tradition that began in 2008 came to an unforeseen halt in 2020 due to the global COVID pandemic. That final exhibit remained on display until pandemic restrictions were lifted. While showcases had yet to make their return, resident Joy Drewfs periodically arranged new exhibits for the hallway, featuring artists from Independent Living to Memory Care, as well as Holistic Wellness participants.

As though there had never been a five-year pause, the Resident Art Gallery Showcase gave artists and art lovers the chance to converse in person. Wine and snacks were served, provided by the fabulous FTJ dining staff, and despite the exceedingly cold, snowy weather, there was a great turnout. Residents and staff congregated to celebrate the talent of fellow FTJ residents, and the fact that the Showcase had made its triumphant return.

Gallery Showcase

The left side of the gallery wall displayed beautiful acrylic pour pieces by Bristol View residents Pam Baker, Lynn Brown, Joy Drewfs, and Karen Flamoe. Framed photographs of landscapes and other nature sceneries decorated the right side of the wall, all taken by Tobey Jones resident Beverly Werschkul.

“We were so excited to be showcasing artwork by FTJ residents. Roughly half of the art currently on exhibit was created by residents during Holistic or Senior University art programs. The other half consists of photographs taken in various locations around the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. It was wonderful to see the FTJ community come together to celebrate fellow residents and their artwork. I’m always amazed at the variety of peoples’ talents here at FTJ and look forward to showcasing more of their work,” said Heidi White about the success of the February Art Gallery Showcase.

Grateful for Resident Artists

As David Hockney said, “You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience.” We at FTJ thank the residents who shared their experiences and art with all of us; and Heidi and Joy for arranging the Resident Art Gallery Showcase, bringing us all into presence in the present.