Edgemere Resident Enjoys Golden Opportunity for Creative Art
The writer, C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Edgemere resident Barbara Baldwin couldn’t agree more.
At 80 years old, she is living a full and vibrant life at Dallas’s premier senior living community, where she finds pleasure in exploring her favorite hobbies, new and old. With Edgemere’s extensive calendar of community programs, learning opportunities, and creative offerings, Baldwin and fellow residents have endless options for cultivating hobbies of all kinds. There is no shortage of inspiration, considering Edgemere’s beautifully landscaped grounds, exquisite gardens, Italian architecture, and fascinating residents.
Every day at Edgemere is an opportunity to explore new interests or rediscover a piece of the past that stirs curiosity or ambition. For Baldwin, this journey has led to a focus on creative arts, which she has continued to pursue even after moving to senior living.
As a young adult, Baldwin enjoyed working as a papermaker and experimenting with different bulbs, but through the years, her curiosity drew her to something new: gold leaf art.
Baldwin’s gold leaf art was recently the highlight of a featured article by Leading Age Texas during National Hobby Month in January, by LeadingAge Texas. LeadingAge Texas is a trade association representing mission-driven, not-for-profit aging services providers in Texas. Their recent article spotlighted a member organization, Edgemere, and Baldwin’s unique hobby. To read the article, click here.
Baldwin first stepped into gold leaf art nearly twenty years ago after purchasing some supplies and thinking about a new hobby. As she began to work on different projects, she found herself immersed in the ethereal touch of gold leaf art, especially when contrasted with unique designs and objects pasted onto the gold leaf. After picking up a peacock feather and pasting it onto the surface with success, she began trying many other techniques and approaches to this gleaming art form.
Several beautiful pieces later, Baldwin continues to study and create with gold leaf art. Some of her pieces are even featured at local Dallas museums, namely the Dallas Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Biblical Art.
“My inspiration comes from biblical art, particularly the Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem,” said Baldwin. “The beauty of gold against the temple is striking. I incorporate gold into my art because it allows me to blend history with modern art pieces.”
Life in a community like Edgemere provides daily opportunities for residents like Baldwin to explore lifelong learning and respond to C. S. Lewis’s call to dream and set new goals.
Beautifully designed settings, abundant social interaction, and a neighborhood of different people who share conversations, hobbies, and interests can impact an individual’s quality of life, especially as we age. When daily needs are met, and responsibilities are few, imagining or reimagining life goals can come naturally and feel more attainable.
Being creative and expressing our creativity in life offers a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment, and purpose at any age. For Edgemere residents like Barbara Baldwin, creativity within a community setting can be even more fulfilling. To learn more about Edgemere’s unparalleled programming, amenities, and exceptional quality of life for residents, visit their website.
See why Edgemere’s dedication to creating an environment that fosters well-being, social connections, and a fulfilling retirement experience has made it the premier destination to retire in Texas.
