Benchmark Senior Living Taps New Pond Village Artists for Lobby Renovation
Artwork by several residents from New Pond Village, a Benchmark continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is being showcased at Benchmark Senior Living’s recently-renovated corporate lobby. The display celebrates the creativity and talent of the community’s resident artists, bringing a personal touch to the company’s headquarters in Waltham Massachusetts.
Featured Artists
Gunilla Knuston, Celeste Hurley and Carolyn Escher, along with painters from two other Benchmark communities, were recently honored with the special distinction of having their art featured in the lobby. “This is about who we are and what we do,” explained Benchmark CEO Tom Grape. “And now, the lobby conveys the spirit of Benchmark.”
Inspiration for the Display
The idea to incorporate resident artwork at corporate headquarters was inspired by one of Tom Grape’s recent trips to New Pond Village, where he was struck by the creativity and quality of the art displayed throughout the community. Resident art is displayed in a gallery at New Pond Village and changed out every six to eight weeks with an opening reception.
Supporting Creativity
“At New Pond Village, residents are encouraged not only to continue their passions but also to grow, strengthen and celebrate them. Our robust art programming is a point of pride as it gives residents the opportunity to explore a variety of mediums and showcase their work in rotating exhibitions or in unique opportunities like this one,” said Campus Executive Director Adam Manchester. “Gunilla, Celeste and Carolyn are all valued members of our community and talented individuals. We are incredibly proud to see their work recognized in such a meaningful way and we hope they feel the deep admiration and appreciation shared by our entire team.”
Resident Perspectives
“It was exciting to be included in this opportunity. Art was something I first discovered in my early adult years and ever since I participated in my first art class it has been a hobby that has followed me everywhere I go,” said Gunilla.
Carolyn first fell in love with painting when she was 12 and received a kit for Christmas. “We arrived at New Pond Village in March 2019 and I decided to get back to painting. I lugged my supplies to the activities room and began. Then Covid hit. [New Pond Village associates] asked me if I’d like to lead an art group. Ultimately, I said yes and ‘Creative Time’ was born. We now meet three times a week and do our own thing. No teacher. Just an opportunity to paint together and to learn from each other.”
Tailored Art Programming
The community offers art programming that can be tailored to each resident’s preferred medium, interests, skill level and work style, which allows them to be fully immersed in creative expression.
“I need quiet to paint. It takes about a half hour just to set my mood, but once I do, everything else fades away and I can focus entirely on the beauty I’m capturing,” said Celeste.
Beyond the Studio
In addition to clubs and a wide array of classes, New Pond Village also organizes museum trips, with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum being a community favorite.