Stunning exhibit by senior artists at Hill location

Posted 5/13/11

By Marcia Z. Segal [caption id="attachment_5555" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This painting is by Leroy Fornby, 72, of Center City.  It is entitled “Xaio Pang” at ease, and it is one …

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Stunning exhibit by senior artists at Hill location

Posted

By Marcia Z. Segal

[caption id="attachment_5555" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This painting is by Leroy Fornby, 72, of Center City.  It is entitled “Xaio Pang” at ease, and it is one of the paintings in the Center on the Hill exhibit."][/caption]

Since 2003, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has held an arts celebration marking Older Americans Month in May. This year, PCA's "Celebrate Arts and Aging" features three exhibits of works by older artists (age 55+); musical performances by seniors; special senior discounts to museums, theaters and concerts; and art classes and workshops.

The first exhibit is currently on display until the end of May at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St. Two other venues are displaying senior artworks throughout May: Philadelphia Senior Center, (PSC) 509 South Broad St.; and Center on the Hill...the place for active adults, at 8855 Germantown Ave, adjacent to the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. An artists' reception will be held at PSC on May 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.; Center on the Hill will host a reception Tuesday, May 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., which is also the last day of the exhibit. All of the receptions and exhibits are free and open to the public.

[caption id="attachment_5556" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="This watercolor, “Jersey Wetlands,” was painted by an amazing artist, Leo Weisz, who is (believe it or not) 100 years old and still producing museum-quality work. Leo lives in Wynnewood."][/caption]

This will be the first year the Free Library has served as a venue for one of the "Celebrate Arts and Aging" exhibits, according to Joan Zaremba, director of marketing and corporate relations for PCA.

"We're very pleased that the Free Library is one of our exhibit spaces this year," Zaremba said. "One of our primary goals is to showcase creative works by seniors, and having a public space like this is wonderful.

"Over the past eight years of holding this celebration, we've found a fascinating diversity among the artists. Some are professionals who have made a living from their art, while others have only discovered late in life that they have truly exceptional artistic abilities. Those are the most inspirational — people who, after retiring, took a class in painting or sculpture and found a whole new aspect of themselves."

[caption id="attachment_5557" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This artwork, by 94-year-old Marie Ulmer, of North Philadelphia is on exhibit at Center on the Hill this month. The painting is entitled “Two of a Kind.”"][/caption]

Throughout May, museums, theaters and cultural venues are also offering special discounts for seniors of 25% off or more. Classes and workshops for seniors are taking place at venues throughout the city.

Throughout the month, updated information on "Celebrate Arts and Aging" activities will be available at www.phillyfunguide.com/celebrate; or from the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

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