Art is Ageless Exhibit in Kirkwood

Aberdeen Heights Senior Living Community in Kirkwood is hosting its annual "Art is Ageless" Gallery exhibit from March 24-April 4. The Exhibit showcases creative works by seniors over age 65 from both the surrounding community and those living at Aberdeen. It is one of several exhibits in residential living communities owned and operated by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America.

“PMMA has promoted artistic endeavors among
its residents for more than 30 years,” says Zoe Taylor, Aberdeen’s Lifestyles
Coordinator. “The reality is that human creativity is ageless and we want
everyone to know that there is not a creative limit, or an age limit, on being
an artist, whether that be with painting, or needlework, photography, mixed
media, even cooking.”

A National Endowment for the Arts study
conducted by George Washington University and published in 2006 assessed the
well-being of 300 seniors from age 65 to 103 in three U.S. cities. After two
years, those who participated regularly in art programs reported:

·       Better health

·       Fewer doctor visits

·       Less medication usage

·       More positive responses on the mental health
measures

·       Increased involvement in overall activities

All entrants
in “Art is Ageless” are age 65 or older and exhibited works must have been completed within
the past five years.  There are nine

artistic categories and both amateurs and professionals will be showcased.  Categories for the 2014 “Art is Ageless”
exhibit include: Drawing, Fiber Arts, Mixed Media/Crafts, Needlework, Painting,
Photography, Quilting, Sculpture/3D, and Christmas. First Place Awards and Best of Show will be photographed, with the images sent to PMMA’s headquarters in Wichita, KS. The images will be evaluated for later use in an Art is Ageless calendar and in greeting cards.

Aberdeen Heights is located at 505 Couch Avenue in Kirkwood, MO. The exhibit is open to the public.