Santa Marta hosted an art event showcasing local artist Bill Rose’s sports-inspired pieces on March 26. The event was done in collaboration with Eva Reynolds Fine Art Gallery, who has been working with Santa Marta to bring fine arts education to the Santa Marta senior living community since October.
The event included a conversation with the featured artist, Bill Rose. The self-taught Kansas City-based artist spoke about his journey of starting art later in life. More than 100 guests attended, signaling strong interest in continued arts programming at Santa Marta.
“To say this event was a success is an understatement,” Santa Marta President and CEO Colleen Hollestelle said. “Bill’s talk was so inspirational! Though not formally trained, he began sketching in his 40s while watching his kids’ sports. He is super talented!”
The gathering was put together by event organizer Jim Clark and a group of residents that call themselves “Team Michelangelo.” The team consists of 11 residents, who planned the entire experience. Team Michelangelo member Kathy Warner said the team was proud of the turnout and what they had accomplished.
“We under-promised and over-delivered!” Warner said.
The event took place in the Grand Hall, which was transformed into a gallery with music, food, and signature “Kauffmann” blue margaritas. The event also included a raffle that residents could join, with Rose’s prints as prizes. Team Michelangelo member Fran Schilling noticed residents really enjoyed the space.
“The residents will come out for food and margaritas and then leave, but this time, they stayed,” Schilling said. “Then there was the added excitement of the raffle, so that was fun.”
The showcase event was part of a broader effort sparked by resident feedback to expand and elevate the arts within the senior living community. With plans for quarterly events, the momentum around arts programming at Santa Marta is only beginning.
Fine arts education is important for senior living communities because not only does it help build community, but it also acts as a workout for the brain, according to Team Michelangelo member Bill Bloemnker.
“You want to keep your brain working. It’s never too late to start something new. Just like physical exercise, exercising your brain is just as important.”
Lifelong learning has shown to be an important part of any senior living lifestyle because it makes you happier and healthier. Art in particular can help improve memory and help people discover new ways of thinking. Gallery owner Eva Reynolds said art events can also help build social connections with your neighbors and community.
“They give residents something to look forward to and talk about, helping build relationships organically,” Reynolds said. “This is critical in combating loneliness, which is a major health risk in older populations.”
Artists’ presence in senior communities brings fresh energy and connection to the broader world, according to Reynolds.
“It shifts residents from being passive participants to active cultural contributors,” Reynolds said. “Watching an artist work, asking questions, or even collaborating can spark curiosity and inspiration in a way that static programming often doesn’t.”
Clark said knowing the artist’s story is what helps you understand a certain piece.
“It’s always the stories that connect you to the artwork,” Clark said. “You may not like a piece, but when we explain the artwork and the artist, it is a reflection of life.”
When reflecting on putting the event together, Clark added that Santa Marta’s luxurious atmosphere inspired and motivated the team.
“When you look at Santa Marta, this is the Renaissance,” Clark said. “So when you put Team Michelangelo and Santa Marta together, it’s almost like cheating!”
If you’re exploring senior living in Johnson County and want a community where mission, hospitality, and meaningful living come together, we would love to connect with you. Whether you’re just beginning your research or ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer questions, schedule a personal visit, or simply have a conversation. Contact one of our senior living sales counselors today.
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