by Eliska Chanlett

Carol Woods provides an ideal setting for the arts, both physically and intellectually.

The retirement community’s gently rolling grounds are creatively landscaped, taking advantage of natural vegetation and contours. Many areas are left untouched and retain their unique character.

The resident population has a keen and lively interest in all art forms. Many residents are artists, and a few are distinguished in sculpture, painting, ceramics, woodworking and photography. Some residents take up artistic interests for the first time; others renew old art passions, now that they have the time and opportunity.

A survey conducted a few years ago by a new art committee bears witness to the residents’ commitment to the arts: 175 responded to 14 questions. Of the responses, 80 percent expressed a wish to see art displayed both indoors and outdoors. About half asked for permanent art displays. The art committee is a recent spin-off from an active decorating committee.

From the beginning, the group has benefited from the dynamic and visionary leadership of Jean Parish, herself a designer, painter and art teacher. And committee membership draws upon both artists and art lovers.

The art committee’s first goal was to generate interest in art and to attract exhibitions to Carol Woods. To that end, areas where art could be displayed and a suitable passage in a public area were found, the walls were modified to accommodate art work, and wiring was installed to provide lighting. Dining room renovations also permitted the inclusion of lighted display cases and alcoves for the showing of three-dimensional items. Display planning also began to include outside areas where there are innumerable suitable sites.

While the site preparation was under way, the committee began a search for artists interested in displaying their work. From casual beginnings, scheduling artists has evolved in successive years into a more systematic approach; word is spread through various sources, culminating in September when artists either bring samples of their work by appointment or provide slices of recent work. The art committee then makes its decisions and works with the artist on a mutually agreeable calendar.

The result has been a series of about six yearly shows in a great variety of media covering a wide range of styles. Every year, one show is reserved for Carol Woods resident and staff artists. This show is juried and usually judged by distinguished art personalities of the area, such as Gerry Bolas of the Ackland Art Museum and Michael Mezzatesta, formerly of the Duke Museum. A reception precedes each opening, during which residents love to meet artists. Another annual show is for the best work of Carol Woods’ neighbor, East Chapel Hill High School students.

The art committee has a number of other activities. These include workshops on watercolor techniques, print making, work with special paper and lectures on art subjects. There also is close cooperation with the decorating committee when placement of art is at issue.

There is a great deal of arts activity around the entire campus. A recently completed resident-designed facility is specifically equipped for ceramic work and wood working. A photo lab provides darkroom development and printing facilities. A well-lit and centrally located art studio is available to residents and staff at all hours. Display cases in the public areas and in the health center display residents’ collections on a rotating basis.

A poetry reading group meets regularly and a small group of poets gathers in each other’s apartments. Meanwhile, quilters abound and play and other reading groups form periodically. Carol Woods has hundreds of wall decorations. These range from posters to original artwork of etchings, woodcuts and paintings. These are supplemented by textile hangings, including quilts. There are innumerable decorative items donated by residents displayed in the public areas.

Several cultural activities fall into the entertainment category. Wednesday evenings are set aside for music and Thursdays for lectures. On Friday evenings there are documentaries or residents’ travel accounts. And on Saturdays, selected movies are projected on an oversized screen. The library is heavily patronized.

The basic philosophy that permeates these activities reflects the belief that, at any age, the arts enhance and enrich the sense of self and its relation to the outer world.