HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts partnered to highlight the artistic talents of older Pennsylvanians with the inaugural Older Artists of PA Showcase. The event, held in the State Capitol East Wing Rotunda, features 30 standout pieces created by residents aged 60 and older, selected from over 500 submissions representing regions across the Commonwealth. The showcase will remain on display through the end of May, coinciding with the national observance of Older Americans Month.
The exhibit celebrates the creativity and enduring contributions of older adults. Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich noted the broader significance of such events, stating, “While we celebrate older adults every month, Older Americans Month offers another opportunity to honor older Pennsylvanians for their contributions, for staying active, and engaged as they age. Each of the pieces of art that were submitted showcase the talent and contributions older adults make in our communities. We invite everyone who visits the State Capitol to celebrate the creative talents of their friends, neighbors, and fellow Pennsylvanians while recognizing the important contributions all older adults make every day.”
The event featured remarks from several prominent figures, including First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro, Susan Cohen, Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and Lenore Fiore-Mills, an artist from Lackawanna County. This gathering marked the continuation of a growing collaboration between PDA and the Council, stemming from efforts tied to the state’s Aging Our Way, PA plan.
A Vision for Older Adults in Pennsylvania
The Aging Our Way plan, commissioned by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2023, lays out a ten-year roadmap for better aging services across the Commonwealth. Key components include enhanced oversight and accountability for the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and funding to support these organizations. The Governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget dedicates $2 million to bolster agency accountability and allocates an additional $20 million to help AAAs expand their critical work.
The art showcase furthers the plan’s goals by promoting opportunities that keep older adults actively engaged in community life. Organizers emphasized the importance of fostering creative expression and providing spaces for intergenerational connection and inclusion.
“Art and creativity are critical to the vitality of our communities, so I am delighted to see enthusiastic participation by older adults from across the Commonwealth,” said Karl Blischke, Executive Director of the PA Council on the Arts. “Seeing so many older adults take this opportunity to express their creativity underscores the fact that creativity is a universal connector. I applaud this year’s exhibit participants and celebrate their artistic accomplishments.”
Advocating for Art as an Inclusive Connector
The selected works on display reflect a wide range of styles and mediums, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent among Pennsylvania’s older population. More importantly, the showcase reflects a commitment to the well-being of older adults through social engagement, self-expression, and recognition of their achievements.
The PDA and the Council on the Arts remain dedicated to building on this partnership to support older artists and to facilitate inclusive social opportunities. Planned initiatives include fostering intergenerational collaborations and creating avenues for wider creative participation.
By hosting the showcase during Older Americans Month, the state underscores its recognition of older adults as active, vital members of their communities. The PDA and its partners hope that, through programs like this, the contributions of these individuals will be appreciated not only during May but year-round.
Recognizing the Impact of Creativity
The Older Artists of PA Showcase transcends the idea of simply honoring artwork. It is a testament to the state’s dedication to fostering creativity as a tool for connection and inclusion. With steps already underway to implement the Aging Our Way plan and secure investments in aging services, the event highlights a united effort to celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of Pennsylvania’s older population.
This initiative confirms that art has no age limit, and Pennsylvania intends to ensure that its older residents continue to have a platform for creative expression and recognition well into the future.
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