Seniors will be participating in the Art Trail and Calendar competition with unique art pieces
Residents at Keyton retirement villages across Australia are unleashing their creativity to be part of the organisation’s 2024 Art Trail and Calendar Competition.
This year, the theme to inspire the resident’s artistry is ‘Reflections’.
“Y ou are never too old to do things,” says Pittwater Village resident Judy Weir. Judy is one of several residents who has entered the competition that invites seniors to unleash their artistry and be part of the organisation’s 2025 resident art calendar and book.
Judy also participated in last year’s competition, and although her entry didn’t make it into the calendar, she was featured in the book, and the positive experience inspired her to enter the competition once again.
“I enjoy doing it. I don’t expect to win, but it would be a lovely surprise if anything happens. Who knows? There
are some very good painters.
“You just have to have a go and do it. Remember how things were when you were young, and then get out and do it – because you can still do it,” she says.
“For this year, I have a painting of a lake and a mirror image in its waters. It makes one reflect on memories of the
past. It’s nice to have memories of the reflections,” Judy comments.
Liam Kenny is another Pittwater Village resident who has entered, participating for the first time. His work
was inspired by two peculiar rocks that had a remarkable resemblance in shape to the map of Australia that washed up this summer on Mona Vale beach. His wife painted the two pieces, and he wrote a poem to complement them.
“I wrote the poem Washed Up and, in a Aboriginal dreamtime fashion, used the voice of the rock to tell the story,”
Liam says.
He adds his piece is a message that art is ‘all around us’. “I enjoy art, and you are never too old to participate or
to create. Once you start thinking that you become old.”
Phillip Rochaix, resident of Keyton’s Dee Why Gardens will be also participating this year.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are; you can learn all the time,” says “It doesn’t matter whether you are 7, 17, 70 or 80. You might have very good drawing scores, but you can always learn and get involved, especially with art. It is important as well for the social aspect.”
Phillip is a former winner of the Judges’ Choice Award for the 2022 and 2023 art trail competition.
As in previous years, Phillip is ready to enter the fourth annual competition one more time to be part of the organisation’s 2025 resident art calendar and book.
“I’m a local artist; I’ve been painting for over 30 years. I was in the jewellery trade during my working days, and (painting) was only a hobby. Then, I started doing it full-time when I retired,” says the 77-year-old.
“I’m having a crack at it again for the 2024/2025 Calendar. I’ve started the work, but I haven’t quite finished it yet. And I was thinking the other day, ‘Gee, they might kick me out of the village if I win again’,” he giggles. “I’d like to get on the calendar, and that’s why I keep drawing. But I’ll have to stop winning sooner or later because I’ll have too many books,” Phillips laughs.
The contest aims to encourage the well-being of senior residents through social engagement, creativity and connectedness.
Phillip tells Peninsula Living that, like him, there are many artists in his retirement village and to them, being part of these events makes them get involved, socialise and feel their art or works are ‘appreciated’ by others.
“I belong to several art groups on the beaches, like the Northern Beaches Art Society, and I run a sketching class every fortnight on the Beaches.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t do a good painting or if you do it well. It’s just for the social aspect. We have fun,” he says.
This year, entries close on 30 August. The top 13 submissions selected by the judging panel, as well as the residents’ choice award, will feature in the 2025 Resident Art Calendar. All entries will feature in this year’s Resident Art Trail book, gifted to art trail entrants.