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Expect plenty of storytelling, visual art, bookmaking, and oral history explorations in Fair Haven in the year to come, now that a neighborhood-anchoring nursing home has tapped a new artist-in-residence to lead its annual Cultivating Connections program.
Chatham Place at Mary Wade made that announcement in an email press release last Tuesday, following an event held at its 138 Clinton Ave. home. The nursing home and assisted care facility has picked artist Kristin Eno to lead its Cultivating Connections program, which Mary Wade describe as “an annual arts garden and culture experience” run by the organization’s CT Garden Collaborative.
“We believe that art plays an integral role in uniting cultures and generations, and it also boosts economic growth, making the world a prettier, better, and happier place to live in,” Mary Wade President and CEO David Hunter is quoted as saying in the press release.
See more below to read last Tuesday’s press release in full.
Cultivating Connections Announces Artist for Second Year Public Art Exhibition
Chatham Place at Mary Wade hosted Interfaith Volunteers Care Givers (IVCG) for the kickoff of Cultivating Connections, an annual arts garden and culture experience run by their CT Garden Collaborative program.
Year two artist Kristin Eno was announced to a crowd of several dozen people, including IVCG Board of Directors, Cohort Members, previous project participants and Mary Wade residents. This year’s project brings together New Haven County residents aged 60 and above to celebrate nature, make art, and share unique experiences. Cultivating Connections fosters community and creativity.
Kristin Eno, the artist-in-residence for this year, will lead workshops and explore oral history and interpersonal connection through interactive storytelling, visual art, and bookmaking.
“We are thrilled to announce the beginning year two of our Cultivating Connections project with the addition of Kristin Eno to our team,” says Dan Camenga, Director, Interfaith Volunteers & the CT Garden Collaborative. “Kristin’s expertise and passion for outdoor spaces and intergenerational opportunities will be a valuable asset. Our stems from the belief that human connections are the threads that make up our social fabric, and we are dedicated to cultivating awareness, interest, and engagement with public garden spaces for the benefit of all. We look forward to the many great things that we will accomplish together in the coming year.”
“We are thrilled to welcome all of you to Chatham Place at Mary Wade, the newest addition to the Mary Wade full continuum of care on our campus.,” says David V. Hunter, President & CEO. “Mary Wade has a rich history dating back to the post-civil war and has since grown to meet the needs of older adults and their families. We believe that art plays an integral role in uniting cultures and generations, and it also boosts economic growth, making the world a prettier, better, and happier place to live in.”
“Art has always been a significant part of human society since the beginning of time, and it has been used as a tool for cultural exchange, education, and expression. In Chatham Place, we will utilize art as a medium to bring together multiple generations, fostering a sense of community and a love for the arts. We are excited to embark on this journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds.,” he said.
Michael O’Brien, Vice President of Chatham Place at Mary Wade, expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to host such a wonderful event. He mentioned how many of our residents had participated in the 2022 Pixel Art Project and how it had brought people together through art. O’Brien also highlighted the positive impact that this program had on our community, especially for our seniors who had suffered from isolation during the pandemic. “We are thrilled to host the PIXEL Art Exhibition and look forward to a successful event that brings our community even closer together,” he said.
Chatham Place at Mary Wade is proud to present the Doug Jones PIXEL Art Project Exhibition featuring the work titled “Our Communities at the Public Garden’s Edge”, a groundbreaking showcase of community-created art that will be on display at Chatham Place until October 10th. This work, created by over 60 participants, will travel this fall to the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, CT. The art features a collection of vibrant and imaginative textures that celebrates the diversity of our community stemming from the individual touch of each participant.
To Sign Up for this project or to learn more about Cultivating Connections, call CT Garden Collaborative: 475 – 257-6536
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About Mary Wade: Founded in 1866, Mary Wade is a senior care community serving New Haven County. Mary Wade provides long term skilled nursing, short term rehab, adult day care, and a residential care home for older adults in need. The mission at Mary Wade is to provide those in need with the highest quality medical and social programs, as well as supervised residential services in order to promote their individual abilities in a traditional, dignified and comfortable community of caring. For more information, visit www.marywade.org.