At Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, a once plain hallway has taken on a whole new life. Now known as Artist Alley, this newly transformed space serves as a rotating art gallery showcasing the talents of Sunnyside’s residents and, soon, its staff.
What was formerly just a pass-through area is now a vibrant display of creativity and connection. Every six weeks, team members Denise Schmuff and Cynthia Long refresh the gallery with new pieces. So far, it has featured only resident artwork, but plans are underway to include contributions from staff as well.
“Everyone should feel welcome to participate,” Cynthia shared. “You don’t have to be a ‘real’ artist. That is the beauty of it.”
The hallway’s physical transformation reflects the same spirit of creativity. The Operations team painted the walls a calming blue, while a resident volunteer sewed fabric curtains to frame the gallery space. Seating areas created from repurposed items found around campus invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the art. It is a collaborative effort that reflects the heart of the Sunnyside community.
From watercolors and photography to quilts and hand-carved woodwork, Artist Alley celebrates creative aging and the many stories each piece represents. It also promotes resident engagement, a key aspect of Sunnyside’s mission to support whole-person wellness and purpose in retirement.
This resident art gallery is more than just a place to hang pictures. It is a space for self-expression, connection, and discovery. Artist Alley is proof that creativity can flourish at every stage of life.
