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.