Emporia Presbyterian Manor
DECEMBER 2023
Community’s partnership with ESU a true work of art They say necessity is the mother of invention and that holds true for the unique partnership between Emporia Presbyterian Manor and its neighbor Emporia State University. It all started in 2019, when Presbyterian Manor found itself in need of some new artwork to display around the community while a professor at Emporia State was on the lookout for a new demographic of models for his students to paint. The collaboration that transpired brought budding ESU artists to the community where they created portraits of residents that were eventually put on display. However, while the project was a huge success—and enjoyed by all—it was unfortunately cut short by the spread of the pandemic in early 2020. So, when Professor Derek Wilkinson found himself teaching portrait painting again this past summer, he decided to give it another try. “I thought it was a good time to see if folks at the Manor would be ready to do a collaboration like this again, and luckily, it all worked out,” said Derek. This time around, 13 Presbyterian Manor residents were paired up with ESU students who got started by simply sitting down together to get to know each other— providing not only a sense of familiarity and comfort, but a chance for each artist to get to know their subject’s unique personality. From there, the residents sat in pose for
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Luminarias honor loved ones, raise money for community improvement Once again, the soft glow of luminarias is lighting up Emporia Presbyterian Manor to honor loved ones and raise money 2022 Luminary for a worthy cause. In previous years, proceeds from the purchase of luminarias have gone toward PMMA’s Good Samaritan Program, a special fund that provides financial assistance to residents who have outlived their financial resources. This year, however, residents requested that the money raised go toward the renovation of the community’s country store, an on-site market where they can shop for small household essentials, grab a cup of specialty coffee, or even pick up a greeting card. “The Good Samaritan Program remains an important program, but this year, after a lot of input from residents, the decision to change the focus was made,” said Sarah Oenning, PMMA’s vice president of giving. “This is our residents’ home, and we seek to honor their wishes.” While the money raised from the luminarias serves a practical purpose within the community, those responsible for the event strive to ensure that the symbolism behind
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Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at EmporiaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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