SARASOTA, Fla. (August 17, 2017) – Independent and assisted living community The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is home to a diverse population of residents. Yet, one group seems to flock to the Fountains – artists and those who appreciate the arts.
Perhaps it has something to do with Sarasota’s rich culture. After all, the city is known as the Cultural Coast of Florida for its vibrant collection of museums, galleries and performing art venues.
Yet, with a number of communities in the area for retirees to choose from, The Fountains stands out
for its unique programs that cater to residents’ interest and hobbies. Artists have a place to express themselves, while those who enjoy the arts have opportunities to take it all in among likeminded friends and neighbors.
“We often hear that residents choose Sarasota for the culture and The Fountains for our rich programs and calendar of events,” said Peggy Beasley, executive director of The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods. “We’re very attuned to the interests of our residents and our calendar of events and community reflect that.”
Take for instance the Nat Krate art studio, named after accomplished realist painter and former resident of The Fountains, Nat Krate. The studio is tucked away on the community’s 53-acre idyllic campus and gives residents a place to gather, create, and appreciate each other’s work.
“They built the studio for us after I moved in, at which point the artists started coming out of the woodwork,” said Lynn Jacobson, a retired interior designer and self-taught watercolorist who moved to The Fountains in 2005. “There’s quite a variety of artists. One person does pastels and quite a few use acrylics. Then we have one woman who built a ceramic table and another who does printing. It’s quite different and interesting.”
Currently, approximately 10 artists meet in the studio every Wednesday. The Fountains recognizes the “Artist of the Month” with a celebration of individuals and their talents. Each month, the work of an artist in residence is showcased in a display in the lobby during the month. Fellow residents gather at the opening and toast the artist with a champagne reception.
In addition, The Fountains plans regular outings to the opera, theatre and orchestra during the season. A typical month might include 10 to 15 art-related outings, which include transportation to and from the venue.
“We’re committed to creating an environment where residents thrive and I don’t think that’s possible without taking inventory of the interests and passions of each individual,” said Beasley. “Seeing them do something that they love is such a joy and it makes our jobs incredibly rewarding.”
For more information on The Fountains, visit lakepointewoods.watermarkcommunities.com.
About The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods
3260 Lake Pointe Blvd., The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is a retirement community in Sarasota, located on a 53-acre property with lakes, walking trails, mature trees, native wildlife, migrating birds and gazebos. The community offers independent and assisted living with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains offers a country club lifestyle featuring three dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit http://lakepointewoods.watermarkcommunities.com.
About Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc.
Watermark Retirement Communities has a thirty-year history of creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. Watermark communities are known for highly-trained associates, a lifestyle built on choice, and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. A privately held company with a reputation of service, success, growth, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages 50 retirement communities coast to coast, including communities in Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Trinity.