The Village Gallery at Pines Village Retirement Communities is a nonprofit art gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of regional artists and fostering artistic appreciation within the community. Established in 2009, the gallery provides 575 square feet of exhibition space designed to highlight the talents of artists from Chicagoland and beyond.

Exhibitions rotate every eight weeks and are open to the public free of charge. Each new exhibition begins with a “Meet the Artist” reception, allowing visitors to engage with the creators behind the art. Artists can exhibit and sell their work with no commission fees, ensuring they receive full recognition and support for their talent.

The Village Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to connect with The Village Gallery, email thevillagegallery@pinesvillage.org.

Featured exhibit

Hazel Hannell: Artful Aging
Exhibit Opening Reception:
Sunday, August 10, 2025, 2 PM
August 10, 2025 - October 2, 2025

Pines Village Retirement Communities invites you to a special opening reception for The Village Gallery’s newest exhibit, Artful Aging, featuring the work of influential artist Hazel Hannell. This exhibit is part of Vin & Hazel Hannell: Creativity, Community, Conservation, a collaborative exhibit series celebrating the Hannells’ impact on art and the environment.

Artful Aging highlights Hazel Hannell’s extraordinary creative journey, featuring works from her later years. Known for her bold, nature-inspired style, Hazel continued to paint well into her 100s, inspiring generations to live fully and creatively at every stage of life.

We’re honored to welcome Serena Ard, historian from the Westchester Township History Museum, who will share stories about Hazel’s life and influence in the region. Refreshments will be served.

HONORING HAZEL: ART, AGING, AND CONNECTION

At Pines Village, our mission is to celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. Everything we do is guided by the residents. Our spaces reflect their lives, values, and sense of home. That’s why our halls showcase fine art by regional artists like Jan Sullivan, Margaret Burroughs, Harriet Rex Smith, Russell Nelson, and Hazel and Vaino (Vin) Hannell.

Our connection to Hazel Hannell began with our first administrator, Margaret M. Rivers, a devoted supporter of the arts who believed creativity could enrich everyday life. Over time, several of Hazel’s paintings made their way into our community. Some were passed down by residents and displayed throughout the building. These pieces became gathering points where residents stopped to admire and share stories.

Some had known Hazel personally. Some still treasured the small clay animals she made for children and the mini mugs she’d make as gifts for newborns. Others remembered her digging red clay from her yard to craft pottery. Her spirited life and creative energy left a lasting impression.

Former CEO Laurie Mullet’s vision helped grow Pines Village’s art collection and deepen our ties to the local arts community. Under her leadership, we established the most extensive public collection of Hazel Hannell’s work. Today, it serves as a daily reminder of the creativity and purpose that can flourish at any age.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Hazel’s life, her legacy, and the enduring power of artful aging.

Porter County Museum
Life Work: The Artists Hazel + Vin Hannell
May 9— October 26, 2025

Art Barn School of Art
Enduring Connection: Exploring Hazel Hannell As a Lifelong Artist & Influencer
June 10—September 25, 2025

Chesterton Art Center
Right Here: Vin + Hazel Hannell and Their Continued Influence
July 1-August 30, 2025

With support from:
Indiana Dunes Tourism &
Westchester Township History Museum