Art is an integral part of living a well-balanced life. And this June, Buffalo area seniors – and art enthusiasts of all kinds – will partake in two days of inspiration and enrichment at the Allentown Art Festival.

“The Allentown Art Festival is something we all look forward to every year,” says Lynda Marino, Marketing Director at Canterbury Woods at Gates Circle, a Life Care community in Buffalo, NY. “It’s definitely a keystone event for our community, and for our residents, it’s a great way to participate in the artistic life in Allentown while getting some exercise, too.”

The Allentown Art Festival takes place in the Allentown Historic Preservation District of Buffalo, New York during the second weekend in June. It’s one of the longest running and most respected art shows in the United States. Each year, tens of thousands of art patrons visit the festival to enjoy the charm and character of the Allentown neighborhood, as well as fantastic creations from more than 400 juried artists.

“Our unique intergenerational community is intimately linked to the Elmwood neighborhood and takes every opportunity to be a part of the greater Buffalo community,” says Lynda. “From community events like the Allentown Art Festival to local restaurants and boutiques and the excitement and energy of a revitalized Buffalo right outside your front door, you really are at the center of it all!”

History of the Festival

The festival began in the spring of 1958, when Allentown business owner Jason Natowitz called together a small group to propose an event that would promote and stimulate business in the neighborhood. From that meeting, the Allentown Village Society was formed, and an outdoor art show was planned for that September.

Although the first Buffalo Art Festival (as it was named) was small – no more than 50 local artists and craftsmen participated – nearly 20,000 people attended during the show’s two-day run. It was quickly hailed as a cultural success, and a second event was quickly planned for the following year. The rest, as they say, is history, as the second weekend in June has been reserved for the Art Festival ever since.

In 1966, the festival was renamed the Allentown Outdoor Art Festival after having developed into one of the largest outdoor art events in the area. Today, it is known as an urban rite and an important part of Buffalo’s cultural and social life.

The 62nd Annual Allentown Art Festival

This year, the festival will take place on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th in the historic Allentown neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy entries ranging from digital media, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing, fiber, leather, acrylic, watercolor, oil, photography and much more. There are estimated to be 400-500 exhibitors, both local and national. The festival will take place daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and entry is free.

“As you’re touring the Allentown neighborhood during the festival, we invite you to come visit Canterbury Woods Gates Circle to see our unique culture firsthand,” says Lynda. “We would love the opportunity to introduce you or a loved one to how we help area seniors live life well each and every day.”

How the Arts Help Seniors Age Well

Many forms of art, such as art therapy, music therapy and other creative expressions have long been known to be a staple of senior programming. That’s not just because it’s something to do – there is plenty of evidence that suggests that engaging in the arts has numerous benefits for older adults. Here are just a few of the ways that the arts can help seniors age well and be well.

• Dancing helps boost cognition, motor skills, balance and flexibility
• Singing can improve self-esteem and mental health
• Engaging in an art form helps individuals gain a sense of control and feel more relaxed
• Painting, sculpting and drawing can improve an individual’s psychological health, self-esteem and social engagement
• Seniors who participate in the arts report a stronger sense of identity, a reduced rate of depression, reduced boredom and improved cognition

According to the Journal of Aging Studies, there are six features that define successful, healthy aging: personal growth, sense of purpose, autonomy, interactions with others, health and self-acceptance.  It should come as no surprise that artistic ventures can encourage a number of these features … making the Allentown Art Festival a perfect part of a well-rounded aging routine!

For more information about the Allentown Arts Festival, information about our events or simply to learn more about our Life Care Community, please call us at (716) 929-5817.

Find Your Fulfillment

Planned as the centerpiece of a unique intergenerational community, Canterbury Woods Gates Circle is a Life Care Community like you’ve never seen. Urban, contemporary, and close to everything, this is a community that confirms what you already know: how you live has everything to do with where you live. Canterbury Woods Gates Circle offers the highest quality lifestyle and security. While offering the charm and livability of the Elmwood neighborhood, it also boasts the financial strength, impeccable reputation and reciprocal access to its sister community, Canterbury Woods Williamsville.

A Life Engaged. A Life Inspired.

With the excitement and energy of a revitalized Buffalo at your front door, you can immerse yourself in a diverse world of cultural pursuits and pleasures. Research tells us that connections are what a healthy and fulfilling retirement and a more fulfilling life are all about. At Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, connections have never been easier. The intergenerational neighborhood concept of our campus, with nearby residential apartments and retail spaces, creates a natural centerpiece for socialization and activity, surrounding you with neighbors and new friends of all ages.

Continuum of Care.

As a Life Care Community, Canterbury Woods Communities provide a comfortable environment and first-rate services to support every level of need. Assisted living apartments allow Gates Circle residents to benefit from additional support while maintaining their independent lifestyle. If skilled nursing, rehabilitation or memory care is ever needed, residents can experience the support they require at our sister community in Williamsville.

Contact us today to discover more about Canterbury Woods Gates Circle! (716) 929-5817