Hospitality House displays plants, paintings in exhibit

The art, the plants, the food, the wine, the music...\nFriday night's Art and Garden Exhibit at the Bloomington Hospitality House had it all. And that's exactly how Kerry DeLaney, in his second year at the Hospitality House, envisioned it when he organized the event. \n"We began the art shows to create closer ties with the community," DeLaney said.\nThe event is a joint effort between the recreational therapist and the horticultural therapist.\n"Recreational therapy is more than just activities," DeLaney said.\nThis event proved that to be true. DeLaney also noted that all residents who are able to come out do so and greatly enjoy the goings on. The majority of the people there were family members of the residents and DeLaney feels this is a great way for them to be involved and enjoy themselves too.\nThe artwork displayed was that of the Bloomington Watercolor Society. Marilyn Martin, president and founder of the society, feels this event is important.\n"It supports the arts and creativity and shows residents what's going on outside the nursing home," she said.\n45 paintings were displayed, mostly of natural scenes. \nThe plants were also a large part of the evening. With pots of aloe vera, strawberry, and basil the event had a variety for sale. All are grown by the residents at the center.\nThe menu du jour was made up of what appeared to be atypical nursing home food, but DeLaney gave assurance that the food typified a normal meal at this nursing home. There were spinach and chicken wraps, cheesecake, and flavored coffees -- not to mention the wine. Oliver Winery provided not only free samples, but also free glasses of wine. \nOliver Winery's Susan Chestnut said "the residents look forward to (the event)." \nShe feels the evening helps to add culture to the home.\n"It's wonderful to support the center," said, Karin Rowe, also from Oliver Winery. "Oliver Winery is very interested in the community." \nThe residents seemed to be equally interested in them, or at least what they had to offer. They had several people say, "Bring me what you had last year."\nThe mood was completed further with a classical violinist. \nThis was the third art exhibit at the Hospitality House and they are trying to have three or four per year. All events are free and the general public is welcomed. \nPlants can be bought at the Hospitality House located at 1100 S. Curry Pike. For more information call 339-1657.\nOliver Winery is open for tastings seven days a week and conducts tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 876-5800 for more information.\nThe Bloomington Watercolor Society meets the first Sunday of each month. For more information contact the John Waldron Art Center at 334-3100.