Colourful expressions at Carinity’s Laidley aged care community

A group project at a Laidley aged care community is empowering seniors to express their artistic talents – while creating a sense of pride and achievement.

Members of the Colourful Expressions group at Carinity Karinya Place have dedicated their time and creativity to produce beautiful collaborative art pieces for their local community.


Esme Jensen and Robyn Skipper hold the latest collaborative art piece created by Carinity Karinya Place aged care residents
Esme Jensen and Robyn Skipper hold the latest collaborative art piece created by Carinity Karinya Place aged care residents.

Carinity Karinya Place Activities Officer, Kerrie Kirk, said in recent weeks 12 residents have contributed to a new peacock artwork consisting of three body pieces and approximately 50 features.

“Each resident contributed by colouring individual peacock feathers, and collectively, they assembled the vibrant masterpiece,” Kerrie said.

“The project was not only a creative endeavour but also a collaborative effort that brought our residents together in a meaningful and engaging way.”

Kerrie said art projects had inspired many residents, including those who had previously declined to engage in social activities, to develop their creative skills and foster new connections.

“The Colourful Expressions group project not only allows our residents to express their artistic talents but also created a sense of pride and accomplishment,” Kerrie said.


Karinya Place residents' artwork on display at Prenzlau State School library.
Karinya Place resident’s artwork on display at Prenzlau State School library. Students added their own artwork and showcased books inspired by the project.

Kerrie said the peacock artwork will be showcased in the Prenzlau State School library, “providing a pleasing and inspiring addition to their learning environment”.

It is one of several creative projects recently undertaken by Carinity Karinya Place residents and displayed at local schools.

“In Spring, residents made paper birds and bees with the theme being ‘Spring into a good book’. Another was clay bugs with the theme of ‘Catch the reading bug’,” Kerrie said.

Residents also knitted scarves with which to wrap trees and poles at schools.

“We believe that initiatives like these contribute positively to the well-being of our residents and foster a strong sense of connection with the broader community,” Kerrie said.


Carinity Karinya Place residents Margaret McGourty, Merle Gardner, Gloria Clarray, Maureen Schulz, Trevor Litzow proudly show their peacock artwork
Carinity Karinya Place residents Margaret McGourty, Merle Gardner, Gloria Clarray, Maureen Schulz, Trevor Litzow proudly show their peacock artwork.

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