It’s hard to believe it is already May! Our Agency loves a lot of things about May, especially the observance of Older Americans Month and the opportunity to host our annual Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) Senior Citizens Art Show.

For those not familiar with our art show, this year marks 31 years for this fun and popular event that we have the privilege of hosting and organizing each year.

It’s always a treat to see all of the amazing talent we have right here in our local communities.

I encourage you to see for yourself the beautiful art and composition pieces our seniors will have on display. They certainly enjoy sharing their talent for the enjoyment of others and we appreciate their participation in this special event.

Mark your calendars for May 20 through May 24 and May 28 through May 31. During this time, the artwork of many talented individuals age 55 and older will be on display at the Esther Allen Greer Museum and Gallery on the campus of the University of Rio Grande.

A special tea to honor our artists will be Friday, May 31 at the Greer Museum at 1 p.m. Artwork will be on display Monday, May 20 through May 24 and May 28 through May 31 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily.

Everyone is invited to attend.

When you visit, we encourage you to be sure and vote for your favorite piece for our “People’s Choice Award.” It’s always fun to see what piece is determined the winner by those who visit the art show.

This year, we are also displaying a piece of artwork from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memories in the Making, which is an art program for persons in the early and middle stages of dementia.

Under the guidance of an artist facilitator, individuals are given an opportunity to create and express themselves through the visual arts. In this program, a person with diminished verbal and organizational skills can communicate using paints or pencil by recreating a memory on paper or canvas.

Most Memories in the Making programs are held at nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult day centers. Additional art work created from participants of this program can be viewed on the Alzheimer’s Association website alz.org/cincinnati by following the Memories in the Making tab.

We are looking forward to sharing our annual art show with the community and hope to see you at the 2013 AAA7 Senior Citizens Art Exhibit in Rio Grande.

 

Pamela K. Matura is executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7. For more information, call (800) 582-7277.