VALUING THE VISUAL ARTS R
What is one gift that keeps on giving?
ebecca Weidner has seen art continually touch lives and inspire residents at Landis Homes. “I first connected with Landis Homes twenty-five years ago, when I taught art at Lancaster Mennonite School,” said
Weidner. “Each year a Landis Homes committee, including residents, would choose a piece of student artwork to purchase and add to their collection. It was such an affirming experience for the students, knowing that their artistic talents were appreciated and valued.”
“For me, years later, it is a treat to walk around the campus and see my former students' work prominently displayed throughout many buildings,” said Weidner. “After leaving Lancaster Mennonite, I continued to enjoy attending art exhibit openings at Landis Homes and even had the opportunity to exhibit my own work in the former gallery and also in the beautiful new gallery. I've also been honored to have a number of my own paintings purchased for the permanent collection.”
In January, Weidner, now an art teacher at Lancaster Country Day School, brought her class to the exhibit. Having attended the art opening in the Crossings Gallery in late fall, she arranged with the featured artist, ceramicist Dennis Maust, to hold a class for her pottery students in the gallery where his work was on display.
Te 30 students looked through the exhibit and heard from Maust about his training and experience. Tey asked questions about his work: how he created certain pieces and the sources of his inspiration.
Rebecca reflected on her personal connection to the exhibit: “My grandmother was a resident here until she was 101 years old. When I visited her, I was always trying to think of things we could do together. Te art exhibits were the perfect opportunity to take a walk and look at art together. I looked forward to hearing Nana's reactions to the work on the walls. It was always an interesting conversation starter and was an enjoyable activity for the two of us.”
Since 1995, with the opening of the first gallery in Harvest View, Landis Homes began purchasing works by local artists to enhance its corridors, lounges and other public spaces. Te collection now includes hundreds of pieces. A resident art committee oversees the purchases, placements and management of the
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collection. Tey also assist at the quarterly art exhibit openings for Lancaster County artists.
“As a teacher and artist, I have appreciated the way Landis Homes has lifted up the visual arts and made them accessible to both residents and the Lancaster community,” said Weidner. “For some residents, it may be their first time attending an art opening. For many students who have their work purchased for the permanent collection, it is their first experience of being recognized for their creative talents.”
“In the age of buying everything you need online, it is refreshing and heartening to see local artists being featured,” said Weidner. “Not only is this a lovely opportunity for area artists to have an outlet for their work, but it also sends a message to the community that the local arts are valued here. I think a new visitor would be pleasantly surprised to discover that this retirement community in the beautiful countryside of Lititz has such a strong connection to the thriving Lancaster art scene.”
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
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