Card competition showcases residents’ talents
Arcare Aged Care’s second annual greeting card competition has drawn around 200 creative submissions from residents.
Around 200 aged care residents of Arcare Aged Care homes have submitted an original artwork or photo in the provider’s second annual art competition.
The competition, which commenced in September, encouraged aged care residents from Arcare Aged Care’s 45 aged care homes in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to submit an original painting, sketch, watercolour, photo or craft to appear on Arcare’s 2021-22greeting card range.
The six greeting card categories include all occasion, season’s greetings, birthday, get well, mental health and gratitude.
The provider’s second annual card competition drew more than 400 votes for the 200 submissions.
Among the winners is 91-year-old Arcare Kanwal resident Pamela Walsh, who won in the Season’s Greetings category for her painting of a kookaburra wearing a Christmas hat.
The win is a second for Ms Walsh, who won the all occasion category last year.
Ms Walsh was encouraged to join painting classes by her son almost 40 years ago. She started painting with acrylic when she moved into Arcare and eventually switched to pastel.
Ms Walsh said she was honoured to win.
“I was pleased when I found out that I won. It is very humbling to know that other people liked my painting,” Ms Walsh said.
Arcare Parkwood resident Tony Laroche, 70, was named winner of the get well category for his photo of a sunset.
Mr Laroche, who has motor neuron disease, received his first camera when he was 10.
He is passionate about photography, particularly macro photography and take photos around the home with his compact camera.
“I hope to continue capturing the beauty that is around me,” Mr Laroche said.
He said he loves “the fact that the camera has the ability to capture a moment in time.”
Arcare Aged Care CEO Colin Singh said the competition aimed to celebrate and showcase the creativity and talents of residents.
“Now in its second year, the Card Art Competition continues to create a sense of pride and accomplishment among our residents,” Mr Singh said.
“Residents have really enjoyed participating in the competition and they are excited to see their own designs printed on our 2021 Christmas cards and 2022 Greeting cards. Hopefully these cards are something that they can keep and share with their families and friends,” he said.
The cards are available to purchase from cafes in some Arcare homes and depending on entry restrictions per state guidelines.
The winners for each category are:
- Paul Oon, Arcare Glenhaven – All occasion
- Pamela Walsh, Arcare Kanwal – Season’s Greetings
- Iris Soloman, Arcare Surrey Hills – Birthday
- Tony Laroche, Arcare Parkwood – Get well
- Duree Merkel, Arcare Keysborough – Mental health
- Linda Woodward, Arcare Logan Reserve – Gratitude
Iris Soloman 
Duree Merkel 
Linda Woodward 
Paul Oon
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