Artful Aging Exhibition gives seniors an outlet for sharing their artistic talents

Seniors in Allegheny County recently has an “artful” opportunity to express themselves. The “Artful Aging Exhibition” showcased artwork from adults ages 60 and older from across the city of Pittsburgh.

“Our goal was to give all senior artists a chance to exhibit their artwork in a friendly setting,” says Katelyn Cooper, acting director of the West End HAL Senior Center. The art was displayed to the public from January 26 to February 23 at the newly opened Beechview Community Center. An opening reception was held the first evening with light food and refreshments, music, and a People’s Choice Awards in the five categories that were being exhibited: sculpture, painting, photography, craft and drawing.

Submissions were open to all skill levels, from amateur to professional. Participants submitted their work thorugh their local Citiparks Healthy Active Living Center, including Sheraden, Beechview, Homewood, Brighton Heights, Greenfield, Morningside, Hazelwood, Mt. Washington and the West End. 

A total of 15 artists one People’s Choice Awards and each received a special commemorative ribbon. All first-place winners were awarded a scholarship to register for a class of their choosing at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The winners were:

Craft
1st- Barb Anderson, “Village Scene” 
2nd- Kitty Maban, “Childs Mink Coat with Hat & Muff”
3rd- Barbara Klepacz, “Dorothy’s Garden”

Second place craft: Kitty Maban’s “Child’s Mink Coat with Hat and Muff.”

Sculpture
1st- Madison E. Cherry, “Popsicle Lamp”
2nd- Rosa L. Coleman, “Toilet Tissue Roll”
3rd- Angela Pasquale, “Frozen People”

First place sculpture: Madison E. Cherry’s “Popsicle Lamp.”
Second place sculpture: Rosa L. Coleman’s “Toilet Tissue Roll.”

Painting
1st- Lois Walsh, “The Retirees”
2nd- Ron Zihal, “Syraqistan”
3rd- Sheila Finch, “I Need to See Outside”

First place painting: Lois Walsh’s “The Retirees.”

Photography
1st- Charlie Seay Jr., “Bring it On”
2nd- John Carter, “Lighthouse Maine”
3rd- Leif Gerjouy, “Spirit of the Woods”

First place photography: Charlie Seay Jr.’s “Bring it On.”

Drawing
1st- Jas. Ferris, “Rte 22”
2nd- Mary Ann Petkvnas, “Flowers”
3rd- Sandra L. Williams, “Owl”

Third place drawing: Sandra William’s “Owl.”
Music by Mr. Big Band.
Announcing the winners…
The artwork was displayed in several rooms.
All artwork was listed by the title of the piece.
A reception was held on opening night.
Visitors admiring the artwork.
“Portrait of Daughter” by Betty Sakalik.
“Water Mill” by Maryann Werner.
“Waterfall” by Cheryl L. Younger.
“Return for Nature” by June Kielty.
“Drink of the Beach” by Maohui Yu.
“Syraquistan” by Ron Zihal.
“On the Island” by Robert Burt.
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Julie Heath.
“Rte 22” by Jas Ferris.
“Pondering Peacock” by Victoria E. Tresslen.
“Flower Pillowcase” by Sharon L. Christopher.
“Butterflies” by Catherine Jackson.

Photos by: Charlie Seay, Jr. for Pittsburgh Senior News