Dean Martin classics and locally-made artwork filled the bustling halls of the Residence at Cedar Dell.

On Friday, March 25, Cedar Dell opened its doors to the community to check out the artists and artisans inside the senior living facility. More than 20 residents and community members had their crafts on display. Crafts ran the gamut of quilts, crochet work and doilies, and miniature model ships, as well as collages and paintings made during community art classes.

The residents of Cedar Dell know how to throw a party, and the art show was preceded by crooner Brad Ackland. Dressed to the nines in a tux with hair perfectly coiffed, Ackland performed a number of American standards which the residents enthusiastically participated in. Though he hails from Australia, Ackland lives in Milford with his wife and five children. With a repertoire of 150 songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and other classic American performers, he performs in retirement homes across New England.

“They may not remember me – sometimes they don’t and sometimes they do – but they remember the songs,” Ackland said. “It’s that spark of recognition when they hear it, I just love it. I love what I do.”

Ackland’s performance was followed by a cheese and wine social where residents enjoyed the artwork made by fellow residents, family members and staff of Cedar Dell.

Resident Richard Daniels had half a dozen model ships on display throughout the building. Made with “incredible craftsmanship,” they’ve been a hobby of his for five or six years. One of the ships, the Varua, is currently being displayed in Seattle. The model was based off of the dream ship of circumnavigator and ship builder William A. Robinson.

The ship, to Daniels’ amusement, has caused two millionaires to go bankrupt while trying to restore it.

Pantaleone Grande, the husband of one of the residents, was one of the art show’s biggest contributors. Grande took up quilting after his retirement from clothes designing. The quilts boast a variety of color, each using a conservative array of geometric shapes to create astoundingly unique designs. Currently, he has dozens of handmade quilts in his home, half a dozen of which were on display throughout the residence.

According to Resident Engagement Director Jennifer Gelinas, each quilt requires about 90 hours of work.

Gelinas enjoys holding events like this because they show that, “We have good relationships with not just the residents, but with the community, too.”