CC Young announces 2026 Spirit Is Ageless winners, including 101-year-old honoree.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Theresa Hunt
214-378-7970 ext. 244
[email protected]

Patty Sullivan
214-841-2834
[email protected]

DALLAS (Aug.25, 2026) — CC Young Senior Living has named the 2026 winners of its annual Spirit Is Ageless Art & Writing Contest, celebrating North Texas artists and writers 55 and better whose original works reflect the depth, perspective and creativity that come from a lifetime of experience.

Now in its 26th year, Spirit Is Ageless has become a meaningful community tradition for CC Young and the Dallas area at-large, helping to change the paradigm of what aging looks like—showing that creativity, expression, and innovation are vibrant and relevant at every stage of life. This year’s contest included 187 submissions across 14 categories, with 47 awards presented to artists and writers from CC Young and the broader North Texas community.

Since its launch in 1999, the annual contest has given older adults a public platform to share their creativity, perspective and personal expression through original art and writing. The contest also reflects CC Young’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, connected and celebrated.

The winning artists and writers will be recognized during the Spirit Is Ageless awards celebration on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Point on the CC Young campus. All entries are on display in The Point Gallery at CC Young, 4847 West Lawther Drive in Dallas, and open to the public through Thursday,

October 22, 2026. The gallery is free and open to the public seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. “Each year, Spirit Is Ageless reminds us that creativity is not limited by age or experience,” said Brian Parman, director, Resident & Community Engagement at CC Young. “The artists and writers who participate in this contest bring forward pieces of their lives, perspectives, and imaginations in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. When they share their work, they are not only contributing to the arts community; they are reminding all of us that discovery, expression and purpose continue in every season of life.”

Nine anonymous jurors gave their time to judge submissions in the following categories:

• Drawing & Illustration
• Echoes of the Masters
• Emerging Artist,
• Group Entry
• Hard Crafts & Sculpture
• Mixed Media
• Painting – Acrylic
• Painting – Oil or Oil Pastel
• Painting – Watercolor
• Personal Essay & Short Story
• Photography
• Poetry & Prose,
• Soft Crafts – Other
• Soft Crafts -Quilts & Blankets

Special Honors include:

Best in Show Writing

• Faye Munson, CC Young Resident — Age at Completion 60
• Susan Binford Patton, Community Member — Age at Completion 81

Best in Show Art

• Pattie Gooch, CC Young Resident — Age at Completion 76
• Terry McGuffin, Community Member — Age at Completion 67

Ageless Creativity Award

• Anita Hullum, CC Young Resident — Age at Completion 101

The full list of first-, second- and third-place winners is available at https://www.ccyoung.org/spirit-is-ageless-2026-winners/. For additional information, contact Angela Castillo at [email protected] or 214-841-2831.

ABOUT CC YOUNG

For more than 100 years, CC Young has been serving senior adults. The community is nestled in the heart of East Dallas on a lush 20-acre campus across from White Rock Lake. CC Young is a forward-thinking, nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community with a long history of excellence. Known for stellar services, CC Young holds a 5-Star Quality Rating from the Centers of Medicare Services in skilled nursing care, home health, and hospice. CC Young provides opportunities for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Short Term Rehabilitation, Aquatics and Outpatient Therapy, and Hospice General Inpatient services. The Community Services Program offers Home Healthcare, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Private Care on- and off-campus. Its services are licensed in 13 counties throughout North Texas. The Vista’s opening in 2020 launched a new era of healthcare for residents and surrounding community members. Coming later, The Terraces will be the newest Independent Living residence featuring views of White Rock Lake. Additionally, The Point & Pavilion, located in the heart of the campus, offers creative, educational, recreational, fitness and spiritual opportunities for residents and the public. To schedule a tour or learn more, call 214-258-4000 or visit ccyoung.org.