Jubilation Senior Living: A Creative 55+ Active Adult Community Where Members Share Artful Interests

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (June 5, 2025) At Jubilation by Silver Companies, a leading 55+ active adult community in Fredericksburg, VA, members have an environment where creativity and connection flourish through shared activities and artful expressions. One standout initiative that exemplifies this spirit is the Jubilation Art Wall, a member-led project that gives members the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents, collaborate with their neighbors, and celebrate the diverse creative expressions within the community.

The Art Wall, originally built by member Dick Durst and curated by fellow -member Vi Blankenship, offers a monthly rotating exhibit of artwork that fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment. The initiative highlights Jubilation’s commitment to supporting the interests and talents of its members, providing them with a creative outlet and a space to interact with others.

“The Art Wall has become a cornerstone of community engagement here at Jubilation,” said Shane Gabis, General Manager of Jubilation by Silver Companies. “It not only provides a platform for our members to showcase their creativity, but it also fosters a deep sense of belonging among our members.”

A Creative Hub in Jubilation by Silver Companies

The Art Wall project was born from a simple yet impactful idea: create a space for members to present their artwork and reflect the creativity flourishing within the Jubilation community. “We wanted to offer a platform where members could express themselves artistically and inspire others to get involved,” explained Blakenship, who now manages the curation of the Art Wall.

Each month, the Art Wall is updated with new pieces of artwork, including paintings, needlework, photography, knitting, woodworking, mosaics, and even poetry. Blakenship ensures that a diverse range of creative works are displayed, providing a fresh and engaging experience for all who visit the wall. The display also features pieces from Jubilation’s art classes, reinforcing the community’s commitment to nurturing personal expression and creativity.

Celebrating Engagement and Encouraging Participation

At Jubilation, all members are encouraged to participate, regardless of their artistic background. The only requirement is that the artist must have created the piece themselves. This approach ensures that the Art Wall truly represents the variety of creative expressions within the 55+ community.

By regularly updating the wall, Jubilation promotes a sense of pride and excitement around the creative pursuits of its members. The Art Wall offers more than just a showcase of talent—it also serves as a hub for community interaction, where members come together to celebrate each other’s work, partake in meaningful conversations, and inspire one another.

Fostering Connection Through Artistic Expression

The Art Wall has proven to be a powerful tool for building connections between members. “I make it a point to ask members if they’ve seen the new artwork each month,” Blakenship said. “It’s always great to hear how excited they are when they see someone else appreciating their work.” This simple act of sharing and receiving feedback strengthens the sense of community within Jubilation and encourages members to continue creating and sharing their talents.

The project has helped build a supportive environment where members feel encouraged to participate in creative activities—whether they are seasoned artists or simply discovering a new passion. The monthly rotation of artwork keeps the exhibit fresh, and Jubilation’s art classes continue to grow as more members become interested in artistic expression.