At Ledgestone Senior Living, creativity doesn’t come from fancy supplies; it comes from whatever Mary and Tony could find and reimagine. For this couple, a miniature bowling pin is a sculpture waiting to happen. Old wood and mismatched furniture come together to create something entirely new. With a shared love of thrifting and a talent for transformation, the couple show their neighbors every day that beauty can be found in the overlooked.
Mary serves as the artist behind the vision, known for turning everyday objects into creative works inspired by nature. Her work takes many forms — painting, sketching, sculpting, and even crafting tiny terrariums. When asked about her materials, she’ll often dismiss the question with a smile: “They’re just sticks and rocks,” she’ll say, yet in her hands, those “sticks and rocks” became one-of-a-kind pieces with personality, charm, and story.
Tony, her longtime partner in both life and craft, supports each creation with skilled craftsmanship. His woodworking skills and eye for structure help bring Mary’s visions to life, ensuring each piece is sturdy, balanced, and built to last. One of the couple’s most treasured projects is a carousel horse they rescued and restored. It arrived as a jumble of mismatched parts, brought back to life through Tony’s patient sanding, sorting, and repair.
A Creative Legacy to Last a Lifetime
Long before their days at Ledgestone, Mary and Tony built their shared life around art, markets, and making their cherished crafts. Their children fondly remember weekends spent at craft fairs, helping Mary set up booths and watching their parents swap stories with fellow artists and shoppers. That energy continues today as the couple refurbishes furniture and restores thrifted treasures, maintaining their family tradition of breathing new life into old things.
Mary’s whimsical creations were recently featured during Ledgestone’s Enchanted Forest Tea Time in October, where her nature-inspired pieces added a storybook touch to our event. Guests admired her earthy, creative style, and they soon became a favorite of the afternoon.
“Tony and Mary have such a fun, creative approach to their art,” said Andrea Von Antz, Independent Living Activities Director for Ledgestone Senior Living. “They show us that ideas can come from anything — sometimes even from the bottom of a thrift store bin. Their teamwork and humor make their art even more enjoyable to see.”
At Ledgestone Senior Living, Creativity Always Finds a Way
At Ledgestone Senior Living, residents are supported in pursuing the passions that make them who they are — whether that’s art, craftsmanship, storytelling, or simply seeing the world through their own unique lens. Serving the Austin community, Ledgestone offers a lifestyle centered on engagement and rewarding daily experiences. Schedule a tour to see firsthand how residents continue to share their talents and inspire one another every day.
