Have you thought about what you would be doing during your 80s? For Teresa, art has been a thread weaving through her life no matter where she is. Now 88, she spends her days teaching art to residents of a senior home in her community, inspiring others to embrace creativity as a tool for healthy aging. Her journey began at the age of 12 when a knee injury confined her to a cast and left her searching for a way to pass the time. With no television at the time, her mother bought her art supplies and Teresa discovered the joy of drawing and shading. That was when she fell in love with art—a passion that would sustain her through every stage of life.

While Teresa pursued a career in social work, earning degrees from the University of Toronto and York University, art remained her solace. Her work at Cancer Ontario although meaningful, came with emotional challenges in helping vulnerable populations. Her creative practice became a way to relax and rewind. After retiring, she opened an art gallery in Orillia, Ontario, before transitioning to teaching social work at Ryerson University, where she continued to share her knowledge and inspire others.

In her 80s, Teresa relocated to Vancouver and embraced a new chapter, teaching art to seniors aged between 80 to over 100. Her classes, held three times a week, explore various mediums such as watercolours, oil pastels, and collages. She shares inspiring stories of famous artists or marks seasonal events, fostering both creativity and connections among her students. She guides her students through their learning no matter where they started, and they are always so pleased to see their progress. They proudly display their artwork in the community, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone who sees it.

Teresa’s own creative practice is just as vibrant. She works with watercolours and acrylics, creating pieces that range from realistic portraits to abstract works. Inspired by the world around her, she never runs out of ideas. For Teresa, art is more than a hobby. She views art as a lifelong companion. Through her teaching and personal creations, Teresa truly proves that creativity knows no age limits.