Creativity Builds Community at Cedar Community’s Artisan Studios

By Carrie Sturn, regional director of marketing, Cedar Community, West Bend, Wis.

What began years ago as a vision shared by Cedar Community’s Chief Administrative Officer Sarah Malchow and many talented residents has become a reality. After years of envisioning a permanent creative home where residents could gather to create, learn, and inspire one another, that dream has finally come to life with the opening of the Artisan Studios at Cedar Community’s Art and Recreation Complex (the ARC).

“The greatest joy has been creating a space where our talented residents can gather, create, learn, and express themselves through the arts,” Malchow said. “Working alongside them to bring this vision to life—and watching them come together as a true community of artists—has been incredibly rewarding and deeply gratifying.”

The Artisan Studios at the ARC is much more than a creative space. It’s a place where friendships are formed, talents are shared, and community comes together to thrive—creatively and socially. Research shows that participating in creative activities can significantly improve older adults’ mental and physical wellbeing. Creative engagement helps reduce loneliness, lower stress, and foster a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment. Older adults who regularly participate in painting, ceramics, photography, and other creative outlets often experience improved cognitive function, enhanced emotional wellbeing, stronger social connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Years in the making, the Artisan Studios brought together art spaces scattered throughout Cedar Community’s campuses into a centralized location by transforming an existing maintenance building into a welcoming creative space for artisans. The ARC is a testament to the vision, collaboration, and stewardship of many individuals, and Cedar Community’s commitment to helping residents live more.

“I felt my role was cheerleader,” said resident Ruthie Whitmore. “Because I am involved in so many of the artisan spaces—ceramics, art, stained glass, maple syrup and I have an interest in photography and crafts—I was tasked with overseeing the groups and what their needs were for space. It’s great to have a space where we can all share ideas. It’s a very welcoming place. One of the main reasons I moved to Cedar Community was because I was excited that there was an arts program, and this new space is absolutely fantastic.”

Sustainability was an important part of the project. Cabinetry collected over the years from renovation projects throughout Cedar Community was repurposed and installed throughout the studios—giving the materials a second life instead of sending them to a landfill. The repurposing saved approximately $140,000. Changes included new electrical service and upgraded lighting, insulation and fresh paint, new glass garage doors for natural light, internet access, flexible workspaces for multiple artisan areas, dedicated storage, accessible restrooms serving both the studios and outdoor recreation areas, outdoor gathering space beneath a shaded overhang, and a dedicated maple syrup production area, complete with a new evaporator.

“Working in conjunction with my fellow residents Keith Ruesch, Jim Lorch, and Dale Micke, Cedar Community carpenters Brandon and Todd, and with the active support from Matt in facilities and Andy in grounds—along with Sarah in administration—we were able to effectively collaborate in creating the space,” said resident Dave Braby. “We also worked closely with each of the artisans to define their respective spaces. One area we all feel really good about is the fact that we were able to effectively reutilize excess/stored furniture from all around the campus. To see what once was a maintenance shop and fleet garage evolve into a fully functional artisan space has been a very fulfilling experience for me personally.”

Another resident, Otto Pena, appreciates the individualized spaces. “I love the size of the space for my mat cutting,” he said. “I have a cabinet and drawers to store everything.” 

The project has also been generously funded by residents, who have donated more than $183,000 toward making the vision a reality. Just as important is the collaboration of team members and residents that brought the space to life. Residents helped design the space, offering input and guidance to determine how each workspace would function, ensuring every artisan group had a space tailored to its needs, including ceramics, pottery, lapidary (bead, metal, and stone creations), photography, mat cutting, drawing and painting, stained glass, and maple syrup production.

Resident involvement did not stop there. They volunteered countless hours cleaning cabinets, transporting equipment, assembling workspaces, organizing supplies, and preparing each area. Every corner of the Artisan Studios at the ARC reflects their dedication.

“Because I am usually over in ceramics, but I also do watercolors, I have a drawer in the art area where I can store my things. So, if I have some time waiting for something in ceramics, I can come over and work on something else,” said Alice Pollock. “It’s wonderful to have the storage space and not have it in my garage where I am not as likely to use it. What this space really provides is a place for people to try new hobbies. It also allows for more class-type opportunities.”

Resident Bill Hansen concurs. “Having a space where natural light is shining in is wonderful for our stained-glass area and something we didn’t have before,” he said. “I think this building represents our tagline—Live More. It’s a great opportunity for someone to try something new that is relatively inexpensive with all the supplies we have available.”

The ARC artisan studios create community and camaraderie by encouraging residents to exchange creative ideas, offer encouragement, teach one another new techniques, and simply enjoy the companionship of others. Creativity has become a shared experience—building new friendships as well as artistic skills. 

“I feel that creativity keeps us young,” said resident Dave Donnelly. “Medium means nothing; it is the path to a goal that matters.”

Carol Davidson appreciates the art space and the interactions. “I’m so happy with the space. I feel freer to paint with the size of our area,” she said. “This is just heavenly. In the short time we’ve been in this space, I have done two paintings and made at least three new friends. With the sunshine and the music, it’s just a wonderful place to work. It’s also great getting feedback from other people and everyone sharing their ideas.”

The studios have also made creative expression more accessible for residents living in independent living plus and assisted living who may have a passion for art but simply don’t have enough room in their apartments for an art space. Shared tools, equipment, and supplies offer residents the opportunity to explore new hobbies without the expense of purchasing all the materials on their own. Residents can explore a new interest without making a significant investment in supplies, especially if they aren’t sure they’ll enjoy it. Experienced resident artists are there to offer guidance and encouragement along the way.

Resident Kathleen Huhn appreciates that Cedar Community addressed accessibility in the new space. “What a great space,” she said. “Wheelchairs and walkers now have room to come and go with ease and join in the fun.  Everyone is welcome.”

Perhaps the residents sum it up best.

“It has been so wonderful to see the Artisan Studios at the ARC come to life with volunteers and staff working together,” said Nancy Zorn Micke. “The vast knowledge and experience that Cedar Community residents bring to share is really amazing. This cooperation has allowed the former lapidary (rock cutting/polishing) studio to expand in the new space to include beading and metalsmithing. We are excited to teach and learn together.”

Jan Braby agreed. “The new art space is a dream come true,” she said. “When I first moved to Cedar Community, there was no designated place for art. Cedar Community was very accommodating in providing some space for us, but it often moved due to renovations and expansion. Having this space, I envision other residents working beside me in creating their own paintings.”

“Together, we can encourage, critique, and help each other be better artists,” she added. “I hope to also encourage those who feel like they are not ‘artistic’ to find the joy in art by letting their inner child come out. It is a fabulous way to spend some of those retirement years, letting the concerns of the outside world disappear for a while.”

The artisan studios give residents the freedom to continue learning and creating while also teaching and sharing their talents. What’s most remarkable is the transformation itself that was driven by residents who volunteered countless hours organizing, moving, building, assembling, and preparing the space together—as a community. That may be the greatest masterpiece of all.