ALBANY COUNTY — Bruce Hilliard, a resident of the Albany County’s nursing home, has had his artwork selected for a 2020 “Art From the Heart” calendar.

His painting is titled “Pagoda Lights” and is featured on the cover of the calendar.

The annual calendar is the result of an art contest launched in 2004 by the Foundation for Quality Care Inc., the New York State Health Facilities Association, and the New York State Center for Assisted Living. Residents of more than 400 NYSHFA/NYSCAL member skilled nursing and assisted-living facilities around the state were invited to submit artwork.

Each NYSHFA/NYSCAL member was encouraged to hold its own art contest and was invited to submit up to two pieces of original artwork by its residents. The response was overwhelming, according to a release from the not-for-profit Foundation for Quality Care, with more than 110 pieces submitted from across New York State. The judges included local artists and representatives from the New York State Museum in Albany.

The artists ranged in age from 52 to 78. Some are professional artists who have been drawing and painting their entire lives, while others discovered their talents after moving into a long-term care facility where they began taking art classes.