Colette Heterachi, a resident at Apthorp Care Centre in New Southgate, has showcased her fine art skills as part of the Silver Sunday Celebration at the North London Business Park.

The week-long exhibition was organised by the Barnet Integrated Care Quality Team as part of the Silver Sunday celebration on 4th October to recognise the contribution made by older people to the local community and to combat isolation.

Born in 1924, Colette has been a resident at Apthorp Care Centre since January 2015.  As a result of Colette’s dementia, she is unable to communicate verbally, yet her passion for art helps her to express herself.

Originally from France, Colette discovered her artistic ability in her early 20s when she rented a flat and painted a mural on the wall. She went on to take a fine art course at Hornsey College and has worked adeptly with oils, watercolours and acrylics as well as sketching.

Despite being in the later stages of dementia, Colette continues to embrace her artistic flair and the specialist care she receives at Apthorp Care Centrecontinues to inspire her to develop paintings thatmimic the old ‘masters’.

Visitors to the Silver Sunday art exhibition in North London were able to view pieces from Collette’s portfolio of work alongside artwork from other talented older people in the local area.

Commenting on the event, Fiona Swynnerton, leisure and lifestyle manager at Apthorp Care Centre, said:

Colette has natural artistic ability so showcasing her work as part of the local Silver Sunday festival was a great achievement.  The event was a lovely way to recognise her talent as part of this wider celebration of the way in which older people contribute to our local community.