Helen Broecker, a 96-year-old artist and resident of ElderWood Health Care at Heathwood in Williamsville, presented her original artwork to New York State Assemblyman James Hayes (R-Amherst.) The artwork, titled "The Bouquet of Sweetness," was featured earlier this year at the Albany Institute of History & Art as part of the second annual "Art from the Heart" program. Assemblyman Hayes plans to display the loaned artwork in his district office to showcase the talent of those living in local nursing homes.

Broecker did not consider herself an artist before she moved into ElderWood Health Care at Heathwood in 2000. "I didn't have time for it!" she said. But now, she enjoys creating paintings and pencil drawings with a group that meets weekly at the skilled nursing facility.

The New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA) and the Foundation for Quality Care, Inc. sponsor the "Art from the Heart" program to shine a spotlight on the vitality and artistic creativity of individuals who reside in nursing homes throughout New York State.

More than 70 pieces of artwork were submitted from nursing homes across the state and a distinguished panel of independent jurists evaluated the pieces. Broecker's piece was one of 22 selected for a special exhibit at the Albany Institute of History & Art, earlier this year.