Dr. William M. Schiff is a retired dentist and 58-year resident of Coral Gables who spearheads one of the city’s most anticipated intergenerational events – the Celebration of Talent Senior Art Show, which was renamed last fall in his honor: the Dr. William M. Schiff Senior Art Show.

Dr. Schiff got the idea for the art show from his wife’s family back in Oregon.

“In Oregon, there is a senior citizen art show I attended one year and immediately realized how great it was,” explained Dr. Schiff. “So I thought, why not bring it to Coral Gables?”

He floated the idea in Coral Gables and a tradition was born.

“Five years ago, we put on the first show in the Gables,” Schiff says. “It was such a success, the (Senior Citizens Advisory) Board decided to make it a yearly show.”

Now a fall fixture in Coral Gables, the Dr. William M. Schiff Senior Art Show is open to Coral Gables residents age 55 and over who do not rely on their artistic talent to earn a living. Prizes are awarded in a range of categories: photography; paintings and drawings; hard crafts such as sculpture, ceramics and woodworking; and soft crafts including needlework, quilting and weaving.

From where does Dr. Schiff derive his drive? He said that once retired, he had too much time on his hands. Always involved in the community, including playing in a 65-piece concert band in Coral Gables, he said that one day, when he came across an announcement of a Senior Citizens Advisory Doard meeting, he went and wound up attending for years.

City Commissioner Ralph Cabrera appointed Dr. Schiff to the board, where he served for five years before resigning in November 2011, citing health reasons.

Dr. Schiff said he is glad that if, through the art show, he inspires others to get involved and bring the community together to appreciate art.

“Could you ask for anything more?” he reflected. “An amazing evening out with our community’s talented senior citizens and their art.”

Nathalie Rosenfeld is a student in the University of Miami School of Communication.