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Community Visions

Presented by City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism at Gallery at City Hall

March 26-April 24, 2012

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This exhibit showcases the artwork of adults enrolled in art classes at Elmwood Adult Day Health Care Center, the To Life Center, Hamilton House, and the PACE Organization of Rhode Island. The work of over 30 students across these four institutions will be on view in the exhibit. A reception for the artists will take place on April 25, 10am - 12pm.

The exhibit celebrates the commitment to lifelong learning and creativity exemplified by these organizations and the individual artists who participate in the classes. As Ida Schmulowitz, who teaches art at both Hamilton House and Pace, explains, "what I realized at both places was that people of all ages have the desire to learn and try new things and it is very important to challenge students, whatever their age… Students always rise to the challenge and in the end are excited about being pushed to doing something that they never thought they could do."

About the Participating Organizations

Elmwood Adult Day Health Care Center serves seniors and disabled adults primarily from the Hispanic community. Their mission is to assist and empower participants to improve their health so that they may enjoy life while continuing to live at home and at the same time minimizing their need for nursing home or hospital care. Ana Vargas, Activities Director, is in charge of the Art Program at the Center, which is simply a vehicle to unleash the creativity of the participants. The Art Program is therapeutic in that it allows a safe medium for self-expression, it gives the participant a sense of accomplishment and it validates each person as a unique treasure. As one participant commented "I have spent my whole life working hard - cooking and cleaning. I thought that's all I knew how to do. Today, I learned I know more. I know how to draw."

Hamilton House is a community center for active seniors 55 and older. Some artists have a strong background in art, some didn't have the time to practice while raising families, and a few have started from scratch after retirement. The artists from Hamilton House have great energy and respect for one another, whether experienced or new at making art, and the students learn from each other as much as they learn from the teacher.

PACE Organization of Rhode Island is a program of all-inclusive care of the elderly. Most PACE participants never painted before, or have not since they were children. The PACE art students are undeterred from creating beautiful and expressive work by confinement in wheelchairs or other physical disabilities.

To Life Center Adult Day Services (TLC) is a multi-generational, multi-cultural facility that offers daytime activities, meals and healthcare to seniors who are in need of a caring and social environment. Art classes are among the favorite activities offered at TLC. The art classes, while sparking creativity, have also empowered some of our clients to assist the instructors and even aspire to lead their own art classes. The artists featured in this exhibit represent the talents of the group as a whole.