LifeStories Director Jonathan Schultz Uses Personalized Artwork to Honor Residents’ Journeys
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — At The Pines of Mount Lebanon, every resident has a lifetime of stories, and Jonathan Schultz uses art to help share them.
Recently promoted to LifeStories Director at the IntegraCare senior living community, Schultz blends his commitment to the residents with a deep passion for art.
“Working with our senior residents is absolutely rewarding,” Schultz said. “Being able to help someone through a difficult day, even briefly, through the power of laughter means a great deal to me.”
Schultz brings more than a decade of professional creative experience to his new position. Perhaps not surprisingly, one of his signature projects involves creating custom illustrations for residents that are displayed inside their Life Stories shadow boxes.
Each piece begins with a conversation and consent from the resident, followed by a photograph that Schultz transforms into a hand-crafted, digital illustration.
“I asked our residents for permission to create illustrations of them, and they were excited to be part of something they couldn’t see yet,” Schultz said. “It was a surprise, and I couldn’t wait to share the finished pieces with them.”
The reaction has been powerful.
Residents light up when they see themselves reflected in the artwork, and their families are often moved by the care and attention behind each piece. For Schultz, the project goes far beyond visual appeal.
“Their stories and life journeys are incredibly important,” he said. “I’m honored to help bring some of their personalities and memories to life through art. My vision is for our shadow boxes to be filled with meaningful artwork, whether it’s created by me, the residents themselves, or their families.”
Before entering senior living, Schultz spent nearly 13 years working as a graphic designer, beginning his career at a photography studio and later honing his craft at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper.
“Throughout my career, I enjoyed developing creative ideas and bringing them to life using digital tools,” Schultz said. “That creative process has always been the most rewarding part of my work.”
Schultz joined IntegraCare just 10 months ago, initially stepping into a LifeStages Coordinator role. That leap of faith quickly became a calling.
“After my very first day, I knew this was what I truly wanted to do with my life,” Schultz said.
That passion and authenticity made Schultz a natural choice for his role as LifeStories Director, according to Gary Renwick, IntegraCare Area General Manager, West.
“Jonathan is such a dynamic and genuine person with an incredible heart for residents and families,” Renwick said. “He also happens to be a very talented artist. He personally sketched portraits of every LifeStories resident for their shadow boxes, and they have been a huge hit.”
As LifeStories Director, Schultz plans to continue expanding creative, resident-centered projects that honor individuality and spark joy. One story, and one shadow box, at a time.
For more information, contact Alex Koter, Community Relations Director, The Pines of Mount Lebanon, at [email protected] or call 412.341.4400.
