May’s Celebrate Arts and Aging offers free exhibitions throughout the city

Not all emerging artists are young, and many of Philly’s professional artists bring decades of passion and experience to their practice. Throughout May, in honor of Older Americans Month, the non-profit Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is presenting a free city-wide showcase of art by people from 58 to 93 years old.

PCA’s Celebrate Arts and Aging launched in 2003. According to PCA president and CEO Holly Lange, the event attracted 30 artists in its first year, and this year, the number of submissions has expanded to 157, at exhibitions spanning five different sites. “It’s gratifying to see how the celebration has taken hold, that older adults are being recognized for their wonderful creativity, and that more seniors are connecting with arts and culture opportunities,” Lange said. “The seniors we celebrate continue to inspire us.”

Celebrate Arts and Aging includes classes, workshops and performances. Local institutions like the Pennsylvania Ballet, PAFA, and the Philadelphia Orchestra are also participate by offering senior discounts.

Work at May’s PCA exhibitions ranges from paintings, drawings, fabric art, and mixed media to ceramics, jewelry, and photography.

There was a May 4 artist reception at City Hall, and there are three more coming up, in addition to an ongoing exhibition at the Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts, 509 S. Broad Street. The Gershman Y will host a reception at 401 S. Broad Street on Thursday, May 12 from 4-6pm, and the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center at 41st and Poplar Streets will have its own on Wednesday, May 18 from 4-6pm. Finally, there will be a reception on Tuesday, May 24 from 4-6pm at Chestnut Hill’s Center on the Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue. All these events are free and open to the public.