• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
United Active Living

United Active Living

United Active Living Communities for independent living

  • Home
  • Care Options
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Integrated living
  • Communities
    • Garrison Green
    • Fish Creek West
    • Fish Creek North
  • About Us
    • Our Values
    • Partnerships
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Cost Calculator
    • Affordability Calculator
  • Contact Us
  • Book a tour
  • 403-873-3953
  • 587-841-5134

Creative Talent Blooms in all Seasons

December 22, 2022

When someone puts paint to canvas for the first time, magic happens. Sometimes those first brushstrokes happen well into adulthood. Residents at United Active Living are proof artistic talent can bloom at any age.

“I haven’t been painting long, about two years,” said Fish Creek resident Betty Harman. “I started painting after my husband and I moved to Fish Creek. After he passed away, I immersed myself in the artwork. I’m really enjoying it. You might say it’s my obsession!” she laughs.

One of Betty’s paintings was chosen for this year’s Fish Creek holiday card. “I was thrilled to have one of my pieces used in the card,” said Betty. “I used a photograph from the art studio as inspiration for the painting. It’s a challenge to paint people, but I’m happy with the way it turned out.”

While Betty is fairly new to painting, another resident, Garrison Green’s Hertha Reich, who recently turned 100, has been painting for some 70 years. Her painting of a “Chickadee and Berries” was also chosen.

“I painted the chickadee because I probably saw him sitting in the trees,” said Hertha, when asked about her inspiration for the painting. “We are surrounded by nature, you know. There are all sorts of birds and trees. I love winter. I did the blue stripes in the background to show the cold. The berries might be Saskatoon berries, but they are whatever you want them to be. The world has so many positive things. Birds, berries, you, me!”

Creative expression in all forms is a cornerstone of United’s philosophy. The art studios, staffed by professional artists at each community, encourage residents to express their creative side, even if they’ve never tried a specific method or medium, or even set foot in a studio before. Picking up a paint brush or moulding clay can have substantial health benefits.

Studies suggest a creative arts program can lead older adults to challenge their limits. Such programs also positively impact creative and emotional experiences and enhance a sense of community, well-being and overall quality of life.

Betty is trying a variety of subjects from landscapes to people. “Since I started painting I try something different each time. I’ve been painting my great-grandchildren lately and their parents really like how those are turning out.”

The two cards are being printed and will be distributed to residents during the holiday season.

Photos by United Active Living. Videos by Sherana Productions.

Speak with one of our active living advisors about life in a United community. They can arrange tours of our Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities. If you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community, send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a future visit. We are happy to help! 

Book a tour
(403) 873-3953

Want more great articles like these sent straight to your inbox?

Sign up for a newsletter.

Footer

logo
(403) 873-3953
Book a tour
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Our services
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
  • Our difference
    • United minds
    • Commitment to wellness
    • Integrated living
  • Health & wellness
    • Wellness services
    • Hospitality services
    • Services & amenities
  • Programs & events
    • Partnerships
    • Education programs
    • Arts & culture programs
  • About us
    • FAQ
    • The transition to senior living
  • Reaching us
    • Careers
    • Contact us
Garrison Green (Integrated Living) 3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 0C9
 
Rentals and leasing: (403) 917-1389 Concierge: (403) 685-7200 Fax: (403) 240-3772
Fish Creek North (Memory Care + Assisted) 51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 0X2
 
Rentals and leasing: (587) 841-5134 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961
Fish Creek West (Independent Living) 14720 1 St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 2A3
 
Rentals and leasing: (587) 609-8167 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961

Copyright © 2023 United Active Living Website licensed by Tastic Marketing | Marketing by Digital SeniorityTerms of servicePrivacy policy

Unique Assisted Living at United's Garrison Green - Calgary, AB