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Resident artists flourish at Lanark Heights
Artwork display helps residents share their stories and talents
7/3/2026
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Deron Hamel
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Before he moved into Lanark Heights, Michael was an artist. When life enrichment team members at the Kitchener long-term care community displayed one of his paintings in the in-house art gallery they created, it was a moment that brought a flood of memories rushing back, which Michael couldn't wait to share.
“The moment he recognized his own work, the stories came back,” Karla Verdesoto, Lanark Heights' life enrichment manager, tells S&R Today. “Looking at the canvas on the wall wasn't just about viewing art, it was about remembering who he was.”
Michael is just one of several Lanark Heights residents whose artwork has been displayed in the gallery.
Ana is a resident who normally enjoys spending time on her own. However, when the Lanark Heights life enrichment team hosted a bottle-painting workshop, she “connected deeply” with the activity, especially through her love of patterns, Karla says.
“When she saw her red bottle displayed in the gallery, she could hardly believe it,” Karla adds. “She was excited, proud and visibly happy to see her work recognized.”
Resident Isabel has also benefited from seeing her work displayed in the art gallery. Isabel, whose creativity has shone through art programs, gained an even greater sense of pride after seeing her work featured, Karla notes.
“Seeing her artwork displayed brought her a strong sense of pride,” Karla says. “She could not believe she had created something featured on our artist board.”
Sheryn, another “creative and enthusiastic” resident, proudly showcased the Mardi Gras-inspired mask she made, reflecting her love of crafts and artistic expression, while resident June embraced the art-gallery experience by dressing up when her bottle-painting entry was featured.
“(June) was incredibly proud to see her purple bottle on display, and the moment reflected how meaningful recognition can be for our residents,” Karla says.
Overall, Karla says the art gallery has been about much more than displaying artwork. It has been an opportunity to showcase residents' passions, identities and abilities while highlighting the dedication the life enrichment team has to residents.
The feedback has been positive, she adds.
“Families shared how meaningful it was to better understand our programs and see firsthand how the Lanark Heights team works to support residents,” she says.
If you have a story you would like to share with S&R Today, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
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