'Celebrate Arts & Aging': Philadelphia Corporation for Aging hosting 24th annual senior art show

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center is displaying the creative talent of the city's older adults on its walls. It includes a variety of work, including a painting of Maya Angelou by artist Elizabeth Richburg-Durand.

It's one of three locations hosting PCA's 24th annual art show called, "Celebrate Arts & Aging."

Special Events Manager for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, Michael Drzik, says one of the goals of the show is "encouraging the older adults to be creative throughout their whole life."

"This year we have 140 artists participating," he says.

"We have about 30 pieces of art on display," says Rose Richardson, Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. She says all the work is "very beautiful."

"In addition to West Philadelphia, we are also at the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center and also Center on the Hill in Germantown," says Drzik.

Artist Denise Ballinger created a work called "Peace on the Horizon."

"A lot of things are going on today in this world. We need a little peace, and I just wanted to find the beauty within nature," says Ballinger.

She and friend Nancy Brown both painted their pieces at the Southwest Senior Center where they met.

Brown says she loves "the freedom of expression" and including colors in her work. She created her piece on display, "Carefree Beach Stroll," from a photo.

Artist Ruby Peterson got creative with her embellishments, using painted pistachio shells, on "Portrait of Beauty."

There are many mediums, from textiles to photography, along with pencil and ink drawings.

"This is my piece right here," says artist Michael Finley. "A Russian dancer from 1911." His work is titled, "Retrushka."

"The only requirement is that all the artists have to be 55 years or older, and this year, we have artists from age 56 to 101," says Drzik.

"My first year this year, and I enjoy it," says Finley.

Another first timer is John Howard, a photographer, whose work "Sunflower and Wood" is on view.

"I think it's great," says Howard. "It's really good for people."

"Oh, you should see their faces! Most of them are very excited," says Richardson.

"The mission of PCA is to improve the quality of life of older adults in Philadelphia," says Drzik.

"We just want people to come on out," says Richardson.

The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center is open daily, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"These exhibits will be up throughout the month of May," says Drzik.

The virtual show will be on view for the whole year on Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's website at PCACares.org.

Richardson says she hopes older adults "get inspired" by the art show.

"Age is just a number," she says. "Anything that you want to do, you can do."

This year's signature artist is Russell Williams. His work, "Brilliant in Blue," is on view at Center on the Hill in Germantown.

It's free to visit any of the participating senior centers hosting PCA's art show and some of the work is available to purchase.

For more information:

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's "Celebrate Arts & Aging" Art Show
Link to view PCA's Virtual "Celebrate Arts & Aging" Art Show
West Philadelphia Senior Community Center
West Philadelphia Senior Community Center on Facebook
South Philadelphia Older Adult Center on Facebook
Center on the Hill
Center on the Hill on Facebook

• West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, 1016 N. 41st St.

Public viewing: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave.

Public viewing: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Artists' reception: Thursday, May 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Center on the Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., behind the Presbyterian Church

Public viewing: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Artists' reception: Thursday, May 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.