North Texas seniors prove age has no limit to making your mark

CC Young’s Spirit is Ageless Art & Writing contest honors artists, writers, and visionaries whose work proves the human spirit knows no age

CONTACT:
Brooke Bryant
(214) 378-7970
[email protected]

Patty Sullivan
214-841-2834
[email protected]

DALLAS (Aug. 5, 2025) – Phoebe Sealy isn’t slowing down—she’s just entering a new chapter of creative exploration. A fine arts graduate from the University of Oklahoma and lifelong painter, Phoebe will submit two acrylic works this fall to CC Young Senior Living’s annual Spirit Is Ageless 2025 Art & Writing Contest. “Everyone has an artistic ability—even if they don’t know it yet,” she says. “Sometimes, you just need the right moment to try.”

That moment arrives again this year as the Spirit Is Ageless celebrates 25 years of showcasing the untold stories, vivid imaginations, and creative energy of adults 55 and better. Launched in 1999, the beloved contest inspires and invites older adults across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to submit original artwork or writing—proving that age is not a limit, but a launchpad.

“Twenty-five years ago, CC Young’s leadership had a vision and took the bold step in establishing our commitment to the arts and nurturing the creativity of older adults,” said. Brian Parman, director of The Point & Pavilion. “For more than two decades, the Spirit is Ageless contest has not only inspired thousands of older adults to showcase their artistry and literary expressions, proving that creativity is truly ageless, but also created a connection to a new community they may never have encountered.

Artist Walt Davis, another returning participant, agrees. A field sketcher and watercolorist who takes a sketchbook everywhere he goes, Walt says creativity offers more than expression. “Art focuses your mind. It draws you away from the busy pace of life and helps you observe the world differently,” he says. He is preparing his third entry for this year’s competition.

For some, like Judith Banes, creativity evolves with time. She and her husband—he a woodworker, she a stained glass artist—have participated in the Spirit Is Ageless together and individually. But Judith’s latest passion is writing. Her winning 2024 entry brought CC Young’s campus ducklings to life on the page. This year, she’s working on a follow-up. “Writing strengthens your mind and keeps your creativity energized,” she says. “It’s not just good for me—it’s good for every senior. Just because you are over 55, don’t throw in the towel.”

Online registration opens Friday, August 1. Entry drop-offs will take place August 19 and 20, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., at The Point on the CC Young campus, 4847 West Lawther Drive in Dallas. All entries will be showcased in a public gallery exhibition leading up to the Winners’ Reception on Friday, October 24, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Alise Cortez, organizational psychologist, author, and host of the Working on Purpose podcast.

To be eligible, all entries must be created by individuals age 55 or older. Art categories range from painting and photography to sculpture, mixed media, and soft crafts, while writing categories include poetry, prose, short stories, and essays. New this year: “Emerging Artist” and “Echoes of the Masters” categories, further widening the lens for interpretation and talent.

Entry is free for CC Young residents (up to two submissions). Community members may submit one piece at no cost, with the option to enter a second for $10. All entries must be original, with written works limited to four double-spaced pages in 12-point font.

Full contest details and online forms are available at ccyoung.org/events. For questions, contact Angela Castillo at [email protected] or (214) 841-2831. Seating for the October 24 reception is limited. To RSVP, email [email protected].

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 469-947-7498 or visit ccyoung.org.