At Glenaire, creativity is not something residents leave behind when they move in. It is something they continue to explore, deepen or even discover for the first time.
A prime example is the community’s pottery studio – a welcoming, well-loved space where residents gather to create, learn and connect through art. The studio offers a glimpse into life at Glenaire: active, social, creative and full of opportunity. Whether someone has worked with clay for decades or has never touched a pottery wheel, this space supports artists at every level.
Resident Elise Stiles, who has lived at Glenaire for eight years, has played a meaningful role in shaping the studio’s story. In the early days of the community, before the expansion creating the 6000 Building, she discovered an old kiln tucked away in a corner of the original building. With curiosity and low-fire clay, she began experimenting and teaching pottery classes. The kiln was unreliable, so whenever pieces were firing, Elise stayed in the studio to make sure nothing went wrong. Her dedication helped lay the foundation for the thriving studio residents enjoy today.
When the 6000 Building was completed, Elise’s husband honored her passion by donating funds to create a new and improved pottery studio named in her honor. The dedication made Elise feel “very loved and excited,” marking a new chapter for pottery at Glenaire.
Today, the Elise Stiles Pottery Studio is a vibrant hub of creativity. A loyal group of resident potters regularly gathers to work, learn and spend time together. This year, one resident even won a prize at the Kintura Olympics for her serving dishes created in the studio – a proud moment that speaks to the talent being nurtured there.
Elise continues to host informal pottery sessions every Monday morning. She spends a few hours in the studio, and residents are welcome to stop by, try something new or simply enjoy the creative energy. Some participants are experienced potters, while others are brand new to the craft.
“We are a mixed bag,” Elise says.
Pottery, she explains, is engaging because of the many steps involved. “There are lots of steps to pottery – it’s really a fun activity for any skill level,” she says. Her favorite part of teaching is “helping other residents tap into their creative side and explore their passion or try something new.”
The studio itself reflects Glenaire’s commitment to high-quality amenities. A new kiln allows residents to monitor temperatures remotely from their phones, eliminating the need to wait in the studio during firings. For Elise, who lives across the street from the new pottery studio, the technology is especially convenient. “Now I can conveniently check the kiln’s temperature from my phone,” she says.
Artwork created in the studio is often displayed in a cabinet just outside the space, giving residents and visitors a chance to admire the creativity happening within the community. Glenaire also features dedicated spaces for music, painting and quilting, reinforcing that retirement here is anything but boring.
It is active, welcoming and full of opportunities to grow, connect and have fun.
For residents interested in exploring the pottery studio, Elise has a simple invitation: “Come join the fun.”
By Jessica Ford
Kintura Content Specialist