The Watermark at Bellevue opens new art exhibit showcasing women over 60

Luxury retirement housing slash café slash wine bar slash … art museum? The Watermark at Bellevue, located just about two blocks from the Chamber office, has added a new amenity to its arsenal this last week with the installation and unveiling of “Feeling Our Age - Sixty Over Sixty,” an exhibit by artist Kathleen Cosgrove. 

Showcasing the likeness and stories of 63 women — all over the age of 60 — the “Feeling Our Age” display also was turned into a book, sponsored by Watermark Retirement Communities, and is now traveling across their different properties. 

The Chamber was lucky enough to be invited to the opening reception and artist’s remarks on November 7. Check out some of the highlights below!

“You'll see these pieces reflect the wisdom, the vulnerability, and the beauty of embracing life at every single stage of life,” said Karen Lucas, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing for The Watermark. “Engage with the art tonight. Take your time. Read things if you can't get through it all. Come back. We would love to have you back as much as you would like to be back.”

“You can build beautiful buildings, and there's no doubt that this is a beautiful building, but we are just thrilled to have the community of residents that we have living with us now and residents that will soon be living with us, as well as the incredible staff that is serving you tonight,” she said. 

Shelly Crocker, appointed receiver for the Bellevue Arts Museum, also said a few words, as the museum-in-transition is hoping to cement itself as a touchpoint for The Watermark property and its commitment to bringing arts and culture to their residents. 

“We think The Watermark is a really big part of BAM's future, and we hope to be a part of The Watermark’s future in really helping, like you said so eloquently Karen, building those communities and spaces for people to come together and celebrate what the great things that make us human really are,” she said. “Art is one of them, [and] I have to say, as a woman over 60 myself, it's really fun to see this work.” 

The woman of the hour, artist Kathleen Cosgrove, also chimed in to give some insight on her experience working on this project, and it was clear to see how passionate she was (and still is) of it all. 

“As I finished this project, I realized that these 63 women that I have come to know changed my whole life … changed the trajectory of my life,” she said. “They made me realize what was important to them and what's important to me, and I will be forever grateful for that.”

“[So] I hope you will take time to read the stories, because the stories are what will make you feel so good, and realize how much each of us have special talents and special things that we need to continue offering the world. We are a value, and we do need to follow our passions.”

Learn more about the “Feeling Our Age” art exhibit here, and be sure to check out The Watermark’s open-to-the-public spaces, North of Main Coffee and Café, and Evergreen Point Bistro.

Want a tour of the space? Let ‘em know you’re a Chamber member, and they’ll get you hooked up.