Alameda Health System’s (AHS) Fairmont Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is celebrating a year of creativity with a 2026 calendar showcasing their resident’s artwork. Each month features a piece created during their weekly art class and the calendars now brighten every resident’s room and staff office, filling the facility with artistry and imagination.

“Our team wanted a special way to honor residents’ artwork,” said Corinne Sherry, activities coordinator, who credits facility administrator Christine Pelgone Herz with the calendar idea. “It felt like a meaningful opportunity to highlight our residents’ creativity and weave it into everyday life at Fairmont for everyone to enjoy.”

The calendar is one example of how residents engage with art through a partnership with Art with Elders (AWE). Since March 2022, residents have participated in weekly virtual classes taught by professional AWE artists.

Gathered in the main activity room and following the instructor on a large screen TV, residents can see each other’s work, offer encouragement and enjoy the variety of artistic interpretations. AWE also showcases their artwork through public exhibits across the Bay Area, extending their creativity beyond the facility walls.

The weekly art classes create meaningful opportunities for residents to express themselves, be seen and leave a lasting mark throughout the year. With up to 109 patients in the facility, the program helps ensure creative connection reaches as many residents as possible.

For Fairmont’s resident artists, the calendar represents more than beautiful artwork. “It celebrates their willingness to try something new, step outside their comfort zones and discover creativity they may not have known they had,” Sherry said.

To enjoy the full collection and experience our residents’ creativity throughout the year, view the full calendar