Icon viewers know that art abounds in Bluffton.

Several artist elders at Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio proved that fact through their winning efforts in the LeadingAge 2015 Northwest District Art and Writing Show held June 18 at Mennonite Memorial Home.

The following residents were winners in this year’s show:
Fine Arts 1
First place – Della Salter, MSC Cedric

Fine Arts 2
Second place – Harold Storrer, Keep ‘em Flying

Small Quilted Works
Second place – Pat Althaus, Mill Wheel Variation
Honorable mention – Ella Bazzy, Starry Nites

Wearable Art
First place – Min Lindsay, Knitted hat

Prose – non-fiction
First place – Joanne Niswander, The Waiting Game
Second place – Ruth Naylor – First Kiss

Poetry
First place – Ruth Naylor, Document This
Second place – Gladys Simmons, On the Front Porch

The LeadingAge Ohio Resident Forum Art and Writing Shows display works of seniors with years of artistic experience right alongside those who are just beginning to explore their craft.

The shows celebrate the creative vibrancy and passion of these senior artists, all of whom are residents or clients of LeadingAge Ohio member facilities.

Local judges select first, second and third place entries in each of 19 categories, and award ribbons are distributed to the winners.  In addition, all show attendees are invited to vote for the winner of the ever-popular People’s Choice Award.

Winning works at the regional shows will enter the state competition as part of the LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference and Trade Show scheduled for Sept. 9 – 11 at the Hyatt Regency, Columbus.

LeadingAge Ohio is the trade association for providers of not-for-profit senior living services throughout the state.

Bluffton judges at the regional event were: Jaime Erford, writing; Paula Scott, writing; Vicki Garmon, art; Gregg Luginbuhl, art; Janette Reineke, art and Lois Wetherill, art.

Three of the winning pieces are shown below: