One word to sum up the Joan Mitchell Foundation Senior Art Program Exhibition? SOPHISTICATION.
On Friday, December 21, 2012, Riis Settlement’s Senior Art Program unveiled its collection of collages and paintings for the community-at-large. The Senior Art Program has been a pivotal fixture in our community that has garnered and enhanced the creativity and talents of our senior citizens. Elders Share the Arts’ Susan Fleminger and the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s Antonia Perez and Abraham Salazar guided our community participants through the program, fostering their creativity to culminate in individual exhibition pieces.
Enrico Iozia, an immigrant from Sicily, Italy, titled his masterpiece “Belisimo” to capture his strong ties to his cultural heritage.
John D. Smith, Sr. titled his piece, “Something to Look At.” When asked about the inspiration behind the title, Mr. Smith replied, “I took pictures of these beautiful flowers outside my daughter’s home. I wanted to show the things I look at on a daily basis.”
Director of Senior Services Robert Madison addressed the senior citizens at the exhibit: “I look around this room and I see your engagement within these wonderful paintings. I think this work is fantastic! We need to definitely showcase it in the Joan Mitchell Foundation Art Room so we can have it on display all year long.”
The participants showed their token of appreciation to the participating program staff by presenting them with holiday gifts on behalf of the class. The event truly captured the vibrancy and creativity of all of our participating senior citizens, who will be eagerly signing up for next year’s art program.
For more pics from the gallery, please click here. For news about next year’s art class, or other Senior Service events, please contact Robert Madison at rmadison@riissettlement.org.
