Thirteen artists who live in nursing homes across the state translated visions from their hearts and minds into winning entries of a juried art contest, now featured in a new 2012 calendar, “Art from the Heart.”
Florence Teichner, who lives in Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, was one of the artists featured.
The annual calendar is the result of an art contest launched in 2004 by the Foundation for Quality Care, Inc., the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living. Residents of approximately 270 NYSHFA/NYSCAL member skilled nursing and assisted living facilities around the state were invited to submit artwork.
Proceeds from the calendar will help improve the quality of life for long term care residents at facilities across New York.
Each NYSHFA/NYSCAL member was encouraged to hold their own art contest and was invited to submit up to two pieces of original artwork by their residents. More than 80 pieces were submitted from across New York state. The judges included representatives from the New York State Museum and the State University of New York University Art Museum.
Ranging in age from 49 to 99, the different backgrounds of the artists who submitted work creates a unique blend of artistic styles. Some are professional artists who have been drawing and painting their entire lives, while others discovered their talents after moving into a long term care facility where they began taking art classes.
“Our residents have shared such rich stories through their artwork,” said Richard S. Patterson, Jr., executive director of the Foundation for Quality Care, Inc. “The ‘Art from the Heart’ calendar provides a forum for these talented and interesting individuals to shine.”
The 2012 “Art from the Heart” calendar can be purchased for $12 by visiting www.thefqc.org and www.nyshfa.org. Proceeds from the calendar benefit the Foundation for Quality Care, Inc. a non-profit, grant- supported organization that focuses on improving the quality of care and quality of life in New York State nursing homes.
