ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2019) – Local artists June Bailey and Stella Szemela, who live at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg, have been featured in the Expressions 2020 Calendar, an award-winning calendar that celebrates active aging and the arts.
Bailey’s piece, “Jewelry at the Beach” is featured during the month of September, while Szemela’s artwork for The Fountain’s craft beer label is featured on the back cover. This is Szemela’s third time being included in the calendar.
The Expressions Calendar is published by Watermark Retirement Communities, a national senior housing operator that manages more than 50 communities nationwide, including The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. The calendar has been awarded a Mature Media Award from the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) and an ADDY Award® from the Tucson Advertising Federation.
“The Expressions calendar is more popular than ever as we mark its 20th anniversary,” said David Barnes, Watermark president and CEO. “Our artists’ impressive works show what it means to thrive in retirement. They create a portrait of the possibilities that blossom in communities offering connection with others, exploration and opportunities for personal growth.”
This is the first time in the calendar’s 20-year history that the collaborative work of a community is being featured in the calendar. The Fountain’s craft beer, Fountain of Youth Brew, received a special shoutout on the back cover. The beer was created as part of the community’s Homebrewing 101 class. Residents helped brew and bottle the beer, while the label was created using artwork from Szemela. The art was inspired by her waterfront view at The Fountains.
Bailey’s piece, “Jewelry from the Beach” was also inspired by her life in Florida. Stemming from her love of seashells, Bailey created a collection of unique jewelry using her prized shell collection.
“What an honor to have not one, but two of our residents in this year’s Expressions Calendar,” said Suzanne Burtzlaff, executive director of The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. “Both ladies are incredibly talented and we’re honored to have them with us at The Fountains. Their coastal-inspired artwork is a testament to the beauty of our community and the city of St. Petersburg.”
An online gallery of the work by Bailey and Szemela and the other calendar artists can be viewed at bit.ly/WRCExpressions. Complimentary copies of the Expressions 2020 Calendar are also available at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South in St. Petersburg, while supplies last.
About The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay
The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is a retirement community in St. Petersburg located at 1255 Pasadena Avenue South on a 14-acre waterfront property. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains’ vibrant lifestyle includes multiple dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit bocaciegabay.watermarkcommunities.com.