Forest Hills DC Makes History at DC Art All Night Festival with “See Me, Hear Me: The Art of Living”

Oct 11, 2024

Exhibit celebrates the vital contributions of older adults and those who work with them in Washington, D.C., acknowledging their collective wisdom and dedication as essential in shaping the future

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 11, 2024) Forest Hills DC (FHDC), a senior living community in Washington, D.C., made history last month by becoming the first senior living community featured in the DC Art All Night Festival, held on September 27-28. Forest Hills showcased a compelling art exhibit titled “See Me, Hear Me: The Art of Living,” celebrating the vibrant lives, diversity and spirit of its residents and team members. The exhibit was developed in partnership with Marvin Bowser Photography and Art Against Ageism, an organization that creates artistic endeavors that tackle ageism. The exhibit is expected to remain on display for at least two weeks, contingent upon weather conditions, as the murals are biodegradable to minimize environmental impact.

This initiative was made possible by a $14,000 grant from the AARP Community Challenge, which supports long-term improvements in communities as part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative. Unveiled on September 27, the public art installation featured 70 large-scale, wheat-pasted murals captured by photographer Marvin Bowser. FHDC was one of just three D.C.-based organizations selected from more than 3,300 applications nationwide for the public art initiative. 

Each mural tells the stories of the diverse lives and elevates the voices of FHDC residents and team members, showcasing their involvement as subjects in the creative process. The murals also include a QR code that provides deeper insights into the personal stories behind the art. Positioned on the exterior walls of FHDC facing Connecticut Avenue, the city block-long murals illuminate the often-invisible communities of older adults while fostering intergenerational connections.

By participating in the DC Art All Night Festival, FHDC created an opportunity for people of all ages and especially younger audiences to learn the significance of preserving seniors’ personal histories while enriching the overall cultural dialogue of Washington, D.C.

“This exhibit is not just about displaying art; it serves as a gateway to the diverse array of stories, experiences and histories that define our community,” said Tina Sandri, CEO of FHDC. “We take pride in presenting the incredible lives of our residents and team members to the wider public, emphasizing their varied backgrounds, interests and skills. This moment enables us to honor their impact meaningfully and strengthen the bond between our community and the dynamic cultural fabric of our great city.”

Older adults are often overlooked in our youth-focused society, where media predominantly features younger individuals. Many seniors also face mobility challenges that hinder their community involvement. This art exhibit aims to spotlight the significant contributions of older adults, emphasizing their ongoing role in society. The Population Research Bureau projects the senior population will increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, representing 23% of the population and underscoring the need to value their contributions to our communities.

Among the many inspiring stories, the exhibit featured Gerald Bishop, the director of dining services at FHDC. With over 25 years of fine dining experience, Gerald transitioned into health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by his father’s battle with dementia.

“At Forest Hills, we truly believe in the magic that art and community can bring to our lives. Being the first senior living community to participate in the DC Art All Night festival fills me with pride and excitement,” said Bishop. “My dishes are a celebration of creativity that sparks joy and connections, bringing warmth and comfort to those we serve. I’ve seen how art can uplift spirits, and I’m excited that this exhibit not only honors my father, which sparked my journey at Forest Hills, but also celebrates the stories of those within our community.”

Additional FHDC residents included in the exhibit are 107-year-old Therrell Smith, founder of the Therrell Smith School of Dance, who trained Black girls in ballet for nearly 70 years, and 96-year-old Ernestina Blackman, who emigrated from Cuba in 1973 and built a life as a housekeeper and cook for diplomats.

“The experience of photographing the residents of Forest Hills was both humbling and inspiring. These are individuals who have lived through incredible chapters of history, and their stories are powerful reminders of resilience, strength and wisdom. Yet, so often, their narratives go overlooked in a world that values youth,” Bowser said. “Capturing their essence through photography allowed me to honor their experiences, to shine a light on voices that deserve to be heard and celebrated. It was a privilege to showcase the richness of their lives, reminding us all that every chapter holds its own beauty.”

As the murals from ‘See Me, Hear Me: The Art of Living’ fade, their message persists, reminding individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the value older adults bring to society. The public is invited to visit the murals, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the stories and contributions of older adults while experiencing the powerful connection between art and aging.

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About Forest Hills of DC:

Forest Hills of DC is a premier and inclusive senior living community that offers assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation services in Washington, D.C. Forest Hills of DC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through personalized care and a supportive community environment. Forest Hills is grateful to be the recipient of the 2023 American Health Care Association National Quality Award – Silver, and the 2024 Pinnacle Customer Experience Award.

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