By Ivan Pereira
Art can be the best way for senior citizens to pass time and express themselves, according to Isabel Kellerman, the director of therapeutic recreation at the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica.
On many occasions, her residents were able to produce remarkable drawings so good that they were put on display all over the state as part of the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging’s art exhibit. This week the nursing home was not only able to contribute to the show, but also served as the show’s city host.
“It’s very exciting for the residents to see their work exposed,” Kellerman said.
From Oct. 7−Oct. 15, the Tietz Center displayed more than 70 sketches, paintings and photographs from clients and staff of nursing homes, senior centers and elder care facilities across the state. The artists, ranging in age from 19 to 91, included Flushing senior Eileen Crean, whose “Still Life with Oranges” was on display.
The exhibit, organized by the NYAHSA, a statewide nonprofit that represents hundreds of New York elder service centers, first began 17 years ago as a way to showcase artwork done by retired residents. This year nearly 300 submissions were entered.
The family of Tietz resident Sarolta Tamas, 91, said her colorful painting, “Pink Flowers,” was a reflection of her life experiences and love of drawing.
“She was doing art all her life, but here she felt motivated by the kindness of Isabel [Kellerman],” said Klara Tamas, the artist’s daughter.
The art show, which was on the last stop of its six−month tour before it returned to NYAHSA’s headquarters in Albany, has become very popular not only among the nursing home’s usual visitors but also area art lovers.
“Since the pieces of art have been up, we’ve had people come in from the street as if it were the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” said Tietz Executive Director Gerald Hart.
Hart and his fellow administrators said they were honored that the center was chosen by NYAHSA to help promote the artists’ work to the public.
“For a statewide association to honor us, it’s amazing,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e−mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 146.
