BlueCross Residents Unleash Their Inner Creativity

More than 10 residents from across various BlueCross aged care residences are getting together for an art exhibition to showcase their creative expressions in sculpture, paintings and textiles.

Titled The Nature of Things, the art exhibition runs for three weeks from 3 to 20 March (weekdays only) from 2.00pm – 4.00pm at the new state-of-the-art residence BlueCross Cresthaven at 1A The Avenue, Malvern East, VIC.

Among the residents involved in the exhibition is Peter Hook, an accomplished artist who has taught and exhibited widely over the past 50 years – both in Australia and overseas. Teaching positions include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Newcastle University, Catholic University, RMIT, Wesley College and the Council of Adult Education.

The images and materials of Peter’s artworks reflect the landscape, wildlife and personalities from his environment with reference to folk art tradition. His works are also in the collections of the Craft Board of Australia and the Australian Council of the Arts, among others.

“BlueCross offers a vibrant leisure and lifestyle program, where our residents are encouraged to pursue their interests and continue to do the things they love,” says Lucia Agati, Lifestyle and Volunteers Manager.

“Our arts and crafts activities form a holistic part of our lifestyle program to keep residents motivated and engaged. Art therapy is known to improve cognitive function, increase happiness and lower anxiety levels, and we have seen how our residents have benefitted from it – cognitively as well as socially.

“Bringing our residents together to showcase their artworks is a fantastic way to celebrate their creativity and boost their confidence,” says Lucia.

“Residents involved in the exhibition are in their 80s and comprise both accomplished and novice artists. One has Parkinson’s and another has impaired vision – but this has not stopped them from pursuing their interest in art.”

The exhibition is open to the community and admission is free. More than 50 artworks are expected to be on display and some are for sale.

Find out more about BlueCross' aged care services.

Pictured: Accomplished artist Peter Hook, a resident at BlueCross Box Hill, has exhibited his artworks widely for the past 50 years in Australia and overseas.