Aged care residents across NSW, Queensland and Victoria have put their creativity to the test as voting opens in Arcare’s third annual card art competition.
Close to 100 paintings, sketches, watercolours, original photos and craft projects were narrowed down for voting, with the four winning entries to be used for Arcare’s Christmas and All Occasion greeting cards in 2022.
The finalists range in age from 71 to 97 years old.
Maree Fields, 86, taught herself to paint by watching her grandmother with a brush and easel.
“Painting is in my blood and always has been,” she says.

It’s never too late to start though, as Maureen Lauer, 80, knows all too well.
“It is a form of meditation for me,” she said. “I’m thrilled to enter into the competition as I feel a part of something bigger than me.”

Sydney Coddington, 80, enjoys creating art, but has also branched out into furniture and quilts among other things.
“I enjoy creating because it’s interesting to see how it all turns out in the end,” he said.
Arcare Aged Care CEO, Colin Singh said the competition created a sense of pride, accomplishment and excitement among the residents.
“Residents are joining art groups and painting new artworks in anticipation for the competition,” Mr Singh said.
“The talent and creativity we have seen this year continues to be amazing and we look forward to seeing who the public votes for this year.”
You can vote for your favourite artworks here: https://arcare.com.au/2022-arcare-card-art-competition/
Voting closes on 24 August with winners to be announced on 29 August.