Sandy Ibach, a Spirit is Ageless winner, with her 2025 submission. Screenshot from CC Young’s website.

“I’ve been painting since I was a little kid,” Sandy Ibach, now 79, reflected on the beginning of her art journey.

Painting was a hobby for most of her life, alongside her job as a nurse. When she was in her 50s, however, she returned to school to study art and graduated from the University of North Texas. Since retiring, she’s committed herself to improving her art, spending four or five hours a day practicing.

“It just gets you into a flow. I can really lose track of time,” she explained.

She prefers to paint alone because in a group setting, she’ll often continue painting even after others have left.

A six-year participant in CC Young’s Spirit is Ageless Art and Writing Contest, Ibach is motivated by the competition. She loves how the contest allows the community members to finally see what each other have been working on, and finds herself inspired by others’ artwork.

“You would not believe how many people are talented here.”

The Spirit is Ageless contest now reaches its 26th year, where Dallas adults aged 55 and over can submit artwork and written works for a chance to win in one of 13 categories. For these seniors, art provides a purpose and a creative outlet for a life that has begun to slow down. This contest helps to keep their passions alive.

“Everyone’s got an experience or a story to share,” said Brian Parman, CC Young Director, Resident & Community Engagement.

“A poem, a memoir, a reflection, whether you paint or don’t paint or do quilting or crocheting — whatever your thing is, there’s a place for you.”

Many people involved in Spirit is Ageless mentioned that art was a passion they were only able to pursue later in life, once the distractions faded away and they found themselves with extra time on their hands. CC Young provides art classes, group meetings, and exhibitions by local artists to encourage the seniors’ pursuit of the arts.

Fred Baynes with his 2025 Spirit is Ageless submission. Screenshot from CC Young’s website.

While Ibach finds focus in solitude, Fred Baynes, 79, works collaboratively with a group of woodworkers known as the Woodies. Baynes earned his degree in Industrial Arts from UNT, later teaching shop to high schoolers and overseeing construction. He has pursued woodworking as an art in his retirement, and often creates his works upon request.

“I never did think of myself as an artist,” he said. “I just make stuff out of wood. I like it, and it’s easy to do, and I use it as an excuse to buy another tool.”

But an artist he has become, even having his work commissioned by churches and friends, along with the other Woodies. The close-knit, woodworking group spends up to four hours a day working together and often submits group projects for the contest.

Jacque Wacker with her 2025 Spirit is Ageless submission. Screenshot from CC Young’s website.

All seniors from around Dallas are welcome to submit art and writing, not just CC Young residents. Local community members, like Jacque Wacker, 84, value the opportunity to connect and share their art with others.

“I love meeting all the people and seeing what they come up with. It’s amazing what they can fit together. I just love it all.”

Event details:

  • Aug. 1: Online submissions and registration open
  • Aug. 18 and Aug. 19: Entry drop-off at The Point
  • Oct 23: Entries will be on display for the public in The Point Gallery at the awards ceremony, featuring Marianne Gargour as the keynote speaker.

The categories, entry form, and submission rules and information are available on the CC Young website. Anyone 55 years or older may participate.