Our Story in the New York Times
In the March 8, 2016 Science section of The New York Times, Personal Health columnist Jane E. Brody talks about the importance of arts participation and its link to better health, including the work of Arts for the Aging. Ms. Brody describes that “Music, dance, poetry and painting are pumping new life into older bodies and minds,” capturing the essence of key programs and happenings in the national field of creative aging, and quoting our CEO Janine Tursini about the impact, “The arts open people up, giving them new vehicles for self-expression, a chance to tell their stories…The programs capitalize on assets that remain, not on what’s been lost.” What a thrill!
You can read the full article here, http://nyti.ms/1LLwetX, or view the print version here. And please, consider making a gift to AFTA so that we can continue to bring free arts workshops to older adults in the D.C. region — to those who raised and nurtured us, taught and mentored us, and paved the way and blazed trails before us. Donate today.
DECEMBER 11, 2015: Dream Ship exhibition opening reception
Arts for the Aging ‘s exhibition of multi-media works created in classes taught by AFTA’s artistic faculty with frail and vulnerable older adults in the D.C. metro region opened on Friday evening, December 11, with a well-attended reception. Curated by Jarvis DuBois, the exhibition is runs through January 6, 2016 at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. Photos from the Opening Reception may be viewed here. Support for this exhibition was made possible by the Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation of Washington D.C. and the Philip L. Graham Fund.
Dream Ship image, above center: a sculpture by Judith in AFTA workshops with teaching artist Carol Siegel at Alexandria Adult Day Services Center.
Quicksilver's Marge Wydro: A Tribute
On Wednesday, October 21st, Arts for the Aging lost a bright star from our constellation of talented teaching artists and volunteers. Marge Wydro, 95, had been a member of AFTA’s senior improvisational dance company Quicksilver for more years than we can remember. Marge stood out in a group of remarkable women for her physical fitness – and most of all, her ability to do the splits, even in her 90s!
Marge was committed to staying active. A retired physical education teacher, she regularly golfed and bowled with friends, in addition to dancing weekly with Quicksilver. In fact, she was crossing the street to reach her duckpin bowling league when she was struck by the vehicle that took her life.
Quicksilver members reflect on their memories of Marge:
“Marge will always have a special place in my heart. She will of course be remembered as a role model for how to age with style. I also admire her ability to change. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from her.”
– Judith Bauer
“Marge was a very special woman. I admired her strong personality and her delightful sense of life and humor, and I grieve that she was taken from all of us who loved her.”
– Betty Shuford
“I loved dancing with our wonderful Marge. I will miss her so much and will cherish the moments we had together.”
– Nancy Harris
We’ll always remember Marge as she was in this video clip, taken from Quicksilver’s 2014 performance at the Atlas Performing Arts Festival, alongside her friend and long-time Quicksilver dancer Ruby Chapman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGZEJErQEII
OCTOBER 27, 2015: AFTA Gala, Creating New Horizons
AFTA’s 27th Annual Gala, Creating New Horizons, was held at The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati, also known as Anderson House, where Trish and George Vradenburg (left) were given the 7th Lolo Sarnoff Founder’s Award, celebrating their humanitarianism and philanthropy, their dedication to addressing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, and their lifelong engagement in the arts. Chairs of this year’s gala were Olga and Bob Ryan. A silent and live auction was held of original sculptures by Lolo Sarnoff and vintage haute jewelry from her collection; works were exhibited created by seniors (like Maebell Saunders pictured right) in Arts for the Aging programs responding to the Founder’s body of art. View the full gala program here, photos from the evening here, and coverage from the Georgetowner here.