Art gives seniors meaning and purpose

DUNNVILLE – Wava Hoover and her daughter, Mary Burden singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at Flyers Café.

By Diane Morris

The Haldimand Press

DUNNVILLE—Dan Devenny didn’t just bring his belongings to Grandview Lodge two years ago, he also brought his love of art. With help from staff and volunteers, Devenny was able to continue his passion for painting and found he was not alone in it; now there are seven senior residents that gather once a week in the studio.

The group, which calls themselves “The Grandview Group of Seven,” have contributed a mixture of art from both the past and present to be displayed at The Marshall Gallery within Flyers Café.

Every piece that’s displayed not only includes the artist’s name, but also carries a story. Resident and Grandview Group of Seven member Brenda Boddy was diagnosed with dementia 15 years ago. While travelling home to Grandview last summer, she saw a windmill along the horizon as the sun was setting. “If I had a paintbrush right now, I would paint that,” she said to volunteer Sue Wilkins. So, Sue pulled over and took a photo. The next time the group met, Boddy was able to recreate the image with help from Devenny.