Meaningful Messages in Self Portraits

TRUTH! "Just because I'm a senior citizen doesn't mean I am not young at heart and enjoy laughing and having a very good time."

TRUTH! "Friends bring me great joy."

TRUTH! "Just because I'm a senior doesn't mean I don't like to try new things."

TRUTH! "Still like to have fun 65."

These are statements made on self portraits of older artists at the Upper Adams Senior Center. They created the thoughtful and expressive self portraits after a writing exercise that prompted the messages in their artworks.

Meaningful messages in self portraits by older artists.

This was the last session of a 10-week artist residency through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Adams County Office for Aging, Inc., Startsomething Arts In Education / Cultural Alliance of York County. As a teaching artist I learned as much from them (probably more!) as they did from me.

Creating a self portrait inspired by a writing exercise.

An art class participant "trying something new".

Self portraits created by senior citizens filled with messages.

The artist appreciates friends and family in this self portrait.

Details of a self portrait.

The self-portrait project is inspired by a similar class by TA Lisa Hazinag that I participated in as a student of Lincoln Center Education Summer Forum this past July.