Croft art expo makes ‘my heart sing with joy’
AN ART exhibition showcasing the works of the Croft Assisted Care Facility residents has been extended until this Saturday, July 22, reports Steven Reid.
The exhibition was originally planned to run from July 11-17, but has been extended to give both the public and the featured artists more time to celebrate their work.
“They [Croft residents] are all very excited that the exhibition has been extended.
“I’m delighted they can see it again and also those who didn’t get the chance at the opening,” said Bara Palcik, a volunteer artist who has worked closely with the residents of Croft over the last few months to bring this exhibition to life.
The exhibition features a variety of works, ranging from paintings and drawings to other assorted crafts.
Paddy Smith’s Brothers Andrew and Brendan and Wife Bernie
Creating meaningful pieces of art has proved greatly beneficial to the Croft residents, and all six displayed artists were immensely proud of their work.
“The residents of The Croft Nursing Home thoroughly enjoyed expressing their creative and artistic skills over the last few months to work on pieces to present at this year’s art exhibition, alongside fundraising for the local hospice supported by our wonderful Activity Coordinator Della Kelly and wonderful Volunteer Bara Palcik.
“The residents enjoy being part of and interacting with the local community and we are extremely proud of the work and commitment put into this exhibition by the residents and staff of The Croft Nursing home.
“We are very grateful to Ballyfermot Library for facilitating this exhibition” said Bernadette Shannon, the director of the Croft Nursing Home.
Ann Pigott (Library) and Sharon Hogan
Bara emphasized the importance of events such as these to raise awareness of the ongoing lives of senior citizens, and to provide an avenue for aging members of society to demonstrate their passion and creativity.
“I find that seniors from nursing homes are extremely marginalized and become invisible, losing their voices for the public.
That’s what I was aiming for, to make their lives more visible,” Bara said.
Volunteering at Croft has profoundly affected Bara’s perspective on life and time, and has left her feeling immense gratitude for her ability to help the residents of Croft in the creative process.
“Working with the elderly changed my view of life and art. I can see and feel the impact my presence and the art classes are having.
“The residents immerse themselves in art-making and it is as if, for them, time stops.
“I look at them and my heart sings with joy,” Bara added.
“The residents of Croft, Ballyfermot library, and Bara herself all encourage everyone to come out and see the exhibition while it remains on display, and she noted: “There are so many little stories that can be uncovered if only there’s a space for them.”
