The first Art is Ageless calendar was a fundraiser for PMMA’s Good Samaritan Program, which provides funding to assist residents who outlive their resources through no fault of their own. The calendar featured artworks completed by residents.

Notecards were added in 1987. The calendar featured works were all selected from resident entries in the Art is Ageless competition. In 1990, Christmas cards were added to the offerings. Birthday cards followed in 1993, and a sympathy card was added in 1995.

In 2002, local juried competitions became the preliminary judging phase and first-place winners were submitted to the PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) corporate office to be judged for calendars and cards. In 2006, on the 25th anniversary, the competition was opened to all senior artists to celebrate.

In 2009, the original categories were expanded to include Christmas. Any medium may be entered in the category as long as the theme of the piece is Christmas.

The 30th anniversary calendar in 2011 featured art from all three decades of the calendar.

In 2012, the competition was separated into amateur and professional divisions and a quilting category was added.

A brief Art is Ageless history:

  • 1980 – First Art is Ageless® calendar competition is held, inviting residents and employees to enter.
  • 1981 – First calendar issued as a fundraising vehicle for the Good Samaritan Program. Calendars were sold for $10.
  • 1987 – Note cards were added, with a package of 12 sent to donors of $500 or more. The calendar featured works were all selected from resident entries.
  • 1990 – Christmas cards were added to the offerings.
  • 1993 – A birthday card was added to the Art is Ageless lineup.
  • 1995 – A sympathy card was added to the printed items showcasing resident art.
  • 2002 – Local Juried exhibits become the preliminary judging phase, and first place entries were submitted to the PMMA® corporate office to be Judged for the calendar and cards.
  • 2006 – The competition was opened to all senior artists to celebrate the calendar’s 25th anniversary. An anniversary card was added.
  • 2009 – A Christmas category is added.
  • 2011 – To celebrate the program’s 30th anniversary, the calendar featured art from the three decades.
  • 2012 – Separate designations are in place for professional and amateur artists, and a quilting category is added.
  • 2021 – Celebrated the 40th Art is Ageless calendar.