This still life painting is among the pieces in the senior art show, at the Rowan College of South Jersey Deptford campus through Aug. 29.
Even into old age, the mind of a senior citizen can still be quite alive and awake. Memories of a life well-lived are sharp and in color, and produce an array of emotions.
Creativity is a way to express those feelings, through music, writing, painting and other forms of expression. Such creativity is on display in this year’s Gloucester County senior citizen art show, which continues through Aug. 29 at Rowan College of South Jersey.
“It is a great community event that encourages connection and creativity,” said Alysa Serrano, a recent Rowan University graduate who works with Rowan College’s communication and marketing Department. “Every year the number of participants continues to grow.
“A lot of friends and family show up, especially at the reception in August, when the winners are announced.”
The seniors – who can be of all skill levels – then advance to the annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show in October.
“The senior art show is one of the best things about being a senior citizen in Gloucester County,” noted Cathy Matos, who went to the state show last year after winning first place in the Professional Mixed Media category.
The county exhibit – in the Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery of Rowan College’s Deptford campus – promotes the appreciation of art and supports continued recognition of talented senior artists 60 and older, according to gallery director Erika Gardner. She is an administrator with the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission (GCCHC), which helps set up the art show every year.
The commission is known for its commitment to fostering arts and culture, Gardner said, and takes pride in supporting artists of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in an inclusive and diverse artistic community.
The senior citizen show’s categories include acrylic and oil painting, watercolor and gouache, pastel and chalk, photography, sculpture, mixed media, print/digital, craft/works on paper, textiles and ceramics. There are separate competitions for professional and non-professional artists.
For information, contact Gardner at egardner@rcsj.edu or call (856) 464-5214.
