Seniors showcase creative acumen

Paintings of vibrant trumpet flowers, meticulously knotted macramé pieces, and intricate portrait drawings adorned the hall of the former home of Jamaica’s ‘Mother of Art,’ Edna Manley in a spectacular exhibition that celebrated the creativity and resilience of a unique group of artists. These artists, all senior citizens, proudly displayed the fruits of their dedication and talent at the Art Class for Seniors Showcase, hosted by Golden Designs.

The one-day exhibition featured works by ten senior participants from Golden Designs’ 2024 art classes, which are held weekly in Kingston and Falmouth, Trelawny. The seniors in the class are aged 62 to 90 years old. Family members, friends, and art enthusiasts from the public turned out to the event to admire the artistry and to share in the joy and pride of the exhibitors. The event was imbued with an atmosphere of festivity, laughter, and heartfelt admiration for these remarkable creators.

UNEARTHING HIDDEN TALENTS

Jeanne Bennett, a participant with a portfolio of more than five paintings, including a mesmerising lifelike of her family’s dog and colourful acrylic plants, described the art classes as her weekly retreat. “I enjoy the classes,” said Bennett.

Another participant, Janice Campbell, shared: “Wednesday is my day. That’s the day I look forward to relax and come to painting class.”

From the textile art class, Angela Mitchell’s macramé wall hanging captured many eyes. The piece, a beige masterpiece interlaced with four intricate knots and coloured beads, stood tall in the hall; a testament to the artistry and precision she developed in the classes. “It’s by coming to the class I learnt about the many knots of macramé. I signed up to do crochet and also did macramé,” Mitchell shared.

The exhibition also featured a video slideshow showcasing the seniors’ ceramic creations, done by the participants in Falmouth, the exhibition further underscoring the diverse range of skills taught in the programme. From painting and drawing to crochet and ceramics, the Art Class for Seniors offers an expansive curriculum guided by experienced facilitators who are graduates of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY

Guest speaker Laura Lee Jones, head of department, applied art – School of Visual Arts, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, delivered an address on ‘Creative Ageing: importance of seniors engaging in the arts’.

“Creativity is a powerful force in breaking down social barriers. When seniors engage in the arts, they contribute to a more inclusive society where people of all ages are seen as valuable,” she noted. Her words resonated deeply, affirming the role of art in empowering seniors to express their opinions, engage in activism, and address social issues through their unique perspectives.

The showcase not only celebrated the seniors’ achievements but also inspired attendees to embrace the arts. Several seniors signed up on the spot for the next term of art classes, which commence in 2025. Plans are already under way to make the Art Class for Seniors Showcase an annual event, creating a space where seniors can share their talents with loved ones and the broader community.

As one attendee remarked, “This was an excellent event,” encapsulating the sentiment shared by many. With pride etched on every face and artistry in every corner, the Art Class for Seniors Showcase proved that creativity knows no age and encouraged all to envision an age-inclusive society.

The exhibition was sponsored by the Norman Washington Manley Foundation, the National Baking Company, Refresh Water, and Lasco.