HARRISBURG, PA — Visitors to the Pennsylvania State Capitol will have the chance to admire 30 remarkable works of art created by Pennsylvanians aged 60 and older, as the first-ever Older Artists of PA Showcase is unveiled in the East Wing Rotunda.
The exhibit, on display throughout May in recognition of Older Americans Month, features entries selected from a competitive pool of 506 submissions. Panels representing the Commonwealth’s five regions carefully reviewed the entries before selecting the final pieces. The initiative is the result of an ongoing partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, formed during the creation of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan aimed at enhancing the state’s aging services infrastructure.
“This showcase in May is another example of the good work being done across the Commonwealth to support and celebrate older Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “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 506 pieces of art that were submitted showcase the talent and contributions older adults make in our communities.”
The exhibit not only highlights artistic talent but also serves as a testament to the importance of creativity and social engagement among older adults. Through their collaboration, the PDA and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts aim to foster intergenerational creative partnerships and promote inclusivity in communities statewide.
“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,” remarked 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.”
The Older Artists of PA Showcase is open to the public, inviting all Capitol visitors to celebrate the talents and contributions of older Pennsylvanians while reflecting on the value of supporting creative and active aging.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.