This is the first feature in a short series highlighting artists living at Sopris Lodge Carbondale Senior Living.
Sopris Lodge in Carbondale is more than an assisted living center for those in their golden years. From hosting community events to collaborating with local nonprofits, there is hardly a dull moment. And coming up, Sopris Lodge resident artists and musicians will showcase their talents.
The hope is to eventually open a public space where residents’ artwork will be displayed. For now, the fruits of their creativity will be shared amongst residents, their families and visitors.
“The Carbondale community is so rich in art and culture. Art has been a way that I have personally bonded with the residents,” Executive Director Marie Herr told The Sopris Sun. “I think they should be recognized for their talents. I love that we have 80 to 95 year olds still expressing themselves through art and music.”
Herr, who majored in art history and began a graduate program in museum studies, said art has always been a passion of hers. Highlighting that of the residents is important because of the storytelling element of this showcase, she added.
“It’s important for people to understand our residents’ stories [and] this is communicated through their art.” Herr continued, “Senior populations are overlooked at times, [but] art is a universal connection across generations.”
One of these artists is Kurt Nestman, who resides at Sopris Lodge with his beloved dog, Jake. Originally from Southern California, Nestman is a former CPA and, currently, an art teacher. His works draw inspiration from nature, family and the simple things in life.
Nestman uses various creative mediums, including: oil paint, graphite, colored pencil, digital illustration and — more recently and what he describes as his current favorite — watercolor. He has illustrated three children’s books in collaboration with his daughter, Lauri M. Rubinstein, including: “My Friendly Giant” (March 2012), “My Friendly Giant Along the Cliff Walk” (September 2012) and “I Am Always With You” (September 2012). The latter is filled with positive messaging to help young children process grief.
“My daughter had a friend who passed away, and she wrote [“I Am Always With You”] for her daughter. It’s a kind of a story about bereavement,” Nestman shared.
Having the roots of an avid artist growing up, his parents enrolled him in classes under the guidance of a former Disney animator. That opportunity, he said, was life changing.
“When I was in junior high, and even before that, I used to doodle. Kids would come up to me, and say, ‘That looks really great,’” Nestman recalled. “My parents put me with a retired Walt Disney animator to take lessons for three years. That’s how I got started.”
“I say I have a gift from God,” he continued, “and it started very young. But when my parents in their wisdom put me with the animator, everything clicked.”
While he considered a career in commercial art, he said his mathematical abilities were his higher calling.
“I have always been good at math. I had two kids, and accounting paid more,” he stated. “Accounting paid for the kids’ tennis shoes, but this, now, is for me.”
In addition to his own, of course, Nestman has had a soft spot for all children, but, more specifically, those affected by various childhood illnesses who are often bedridden. Wanting to do his part, Nestman has created tutorial video content meant for kids living under such circumstances to bring the joy of art to them.
“I developed a YouTube drawing lesson … so the hospitals could put it on their systems. It’s only an eight-minute video but they can stop and start it whenever, so [children] can do it at their own pace. St. Jude’s sent it to every one of their hospitals; the Denver Children’s Hospital took it on and so did Valley View Hospital,” he explained.
When asked if he had any advice for aspiring artists Nestman said practice and patience are the keys to success. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of taking feedback and criticism. In that regard, he recalled such an interaction with fellow artist Roger Davis.
“I brought [Roger] in and showed him this Laguna Beach piece I made. Then I drug myself back in here and had to redo it [because] he critiqued it, and was honest with me,” Nestman stated.
Next time you’re visiting a friend or family member at Sopris Lodge, be sure to keep a lookout for Nestman and other resident artists’ pieces.