NORWICH – Residents at Valley View Manor brought their artistic talents into the spotlight during an art exhibition and champagne reception titled “Art From Our Heart,” held in the main lobby of Valley View on Wednesday.

Art projects ranging from paintings and pencil portraits to knitted doilies and colored ceramics decorated the walls of the lobby. All art was crafted by the hands of residents and available to purchase by attending art enthusiasts. Local artist Robert Paul Tita (going by the name Roberto in his work) was highlighted as the main contributor during this reception and was instrumental in turning the idea of an art show at the nursing home into a reality.

Valley View residents often use art as a method of therapy and rehabilitation. As a short-term rehabilitation resident at the facility, Tita relies on art to phase out some of the physical strains of the rehabilitation process while also interpreting some of his own feelings, thoughts and visions into something tangible.