By ZACH FREEMAN
Local senior citizens know age is no barrier when it comes to making something beautiful.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 24-31, Eagle Crest Villa showcased artwork and crafts from talented residents of the eldercare facility. Residents and visitors had a chance to vote for their favorite crafts and artworks with an in-person ballot or through Facebook posts on the Azle Residents Facebook page Monday.
“No matter their interests, we know how beneficial it is for them to work with their hands for do those things, Eagle Crest Assistant Director Ashley Sands said. “Doing those things that they love … it stimulates parts of their brains that help with memory, cognition and things of that nature. So, we know how beneficial it is for them to continue to do those things and we absolutely encourage them. Our activity director, she encourages them even if they don’t want to come out, you know, she tries to encourage them to come and do the crafts and do the baking and the art and the activities that we have here. We’re excited to get to showcase all the residents, items and their talents. I think they’re just as excited to get to show off. They’ve been coming up here and admiring everyone’s items. It’s been fun getting to coordinate this. I’m excited for the week that we have ahead of us, for this art show and for the public to come out and admire all these works of art with us.”
Sands also spoke about the benefit that having a hobby or activity like this provides for the facility’s oldest residents. Eagle Crest Villa is home to two centenarians, both of which were featured in the art show.
“It’s a good testament to how much working with your hands like that helps your cognition and just your quality of life overall,” Sands said. “Margaret that does the quilting and the crocheting, she just turned 100 last year and then Miss Etta that has the ceramics, she turned 106 this year. So yeah, like I said, it’s just a testament to how much doing art like that really helps.”
Personal care coordinator Terrylynn Tidwell even displayed an authenticated quilt made in 1865 by her great-great-grandmother, Sally M. Ellis, before she pioneered from Virginia to Texas.
