On January 10th, 2025, the Edwin S. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging (ELCHA) hosted Artists’ Night, an
event that showcased the incredible creativity of local artists who were finalists of the Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize contest. The night was a celebration of art, community, and the power of creative expression to challenge perceptions of aging.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize contest winners, whose remarkable pieces captured the beauty, resilience, and potential of aging. Winning first place in the Public Category is Esmie Gayo McLaren with her artwork entitled Lifegiving.
Esmie is a local resident who likes to attend seniors activity (Hula Along) at Collingwood Neighbourhood
House (CNH). She also teaches watercolour workshops at CNH Annex and facilitates Arts activities
during the annual community festival Collingwood Days.
“I like the content and enjoy reading RCC News,” states Esmie. “I feel it does a great job empowering
members of the community and sharing news that make a difference in the community, so I thought it
would be wonderful to share this project and how it is working to raise awareness on healthy aging.”
“I am humbled and proud to have played a part in it. I am especially hopeful that awareness would encourage more medical research and government/social programs for seniors, and promote self-care to
improve quality of life as we age.”
Congratulations Esmie!
Renfrew-Collingwood Community News 