MOOSE JAW — Atria Mulberry Estates buzzed with creativity and community spirit during its recent Maker’s Showcase craft fair, where residents proudly displayed a selection of their handcrafted treasures throughout the home.
The afternoon event was , and showcased the artistic talents of Moose Jaw’s older residents recently.
One of the featured artisans, Lana Hawman, presented a collection of hand-made baby blankets, baby cocoons, preemie hats, dishcloths, doilies, slippers, and door hangers. Hawman shared her journey into the world of yarn and needles, stating, “I taught myself how to crochet, and my mom taught me how to knit.” She emphasized the sense of personal fulfillment her craft brings, and said the social series program is quite enjoyable.
Another participant, Clarissa Hampton, attended on behalf of her sister, Rachel, who is autistic and finds solace in crocheting.
“She (my sister) has to keep her hands busy, and she ends up with all this in her room,” she said, pointing to the diverse range of hand-made crafts on the display table. “I’m here to (help) sell it for her while she’s working.”
Resident artist Laurie Langford exhibited her diverse creations, including quilts and one of her newest projects — frying pan art.
“I do (artwork projects with) frying pans now,” she said. “(This one) says ‘Welcome,’ and you just hang it on the wall for a welcome sign.”
Reflecting on her experience at Mulberry Estates, Langford remarked, “I was raised with an outdoor toilet, no power, and no running water; this is like 小蓝视频 at a resort.” She also noted the warmth of the community, adding, “The people here are all nice too; it’s a real nice place.”
The fair also featured Shirley Nielsen, who showcased her intricate doodles on the home’s second floor and shared insights into her family’s artistic lineage. She recounted how her son created a piece titled “Eye of the World,” with the pupil as a globe and a teardrop reflecting deep emotion.
Nielsen also shared the story of when her daughter crafted a realistic hamburger from plaster of Paris and the family was left to wonder why it stayed “fresh” on the coffee table a day or two later. Her husband joined her but humbly admitted he wasn’t as artistically inclined, saying, “I’m just the guy who looks at stuff I like” with a chuckle.
Elizabeth (Bessie) Listoe, another resident with her display table on the home’s third floor, displayed impressive pencil sketches from when she was 19 years old during her studies at the Summer School of the Arts in Emma Lake, Sask. During high school at the Academy of Sion in Moose Jaw, she won the art award and later studied under Leslie Groome at the Moose Jaw Teachers’ College.
Reflecting on her work, Listoe mentioned, “It never occurred to me to try to sell them; they were just pencil sketches.” She also highlighted her family’s artistic roots, sharing that her sister Joan is “more prolific,” and said it all started when her father — himself an artist — drew pictures and “egged us on.”
The social event was organized under the guidance of Sydney Azure, the engage life co-ordinator.
Azure expressed satisfaction in the turnout and the opportunity it provided residents, stating, “It was great for residents to show up to our event. Everyone had a good time and (it was nice to) browse and discover everyone’s hidden talents.”
Mulberry Estates welcomes guests of all ages to its next social series event, “Afternoon Tea,” set to include lawn games, pastries, and finger sandwiches on Thursday, April 10. For more information call 306-694-5020 and ask to speak with Tricia Oblander.
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane and prides itself on providing exceptional care for adults over the age of 55. For more information visit or “” on Facebook.
