30 older Pennsylvanians whose artwork was selected for the second annual Older Artists of PA Showcase during a special reception hosted by First Lady Lori Shapiro at the Governor’s Residence.
Presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), the showcase features artwork from artists aged 60 and older across the Commonwealth. The selected pieces are displayed in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol throughout August.
“This showcase celebrates the talent, experience, and individuality that older Pennsylvanians bring to communities across our Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “These artists include people who have spent decades developing their craft, those who discovered a passion for art later in life, and people living with dementia who continue to express themselves and connect with others through their artistry. We are proud to share their work and allow the public to see aging through a lens of creativity.”
The Governor’s Residence reception brought the selected artists, their families, state officials, and community partners together to recognize the artists and celebrate the role creative expression can play throughout a person’s life. Following the reception, the artists traveled to the State Capitol to view their work in the East Wing Rotunda.
The exhibition features work in three categories: Professional, Nonprofessional, and Artist Over 60 Living with Dementia. The new category for artists living with dementia was added this year to recognize that a diagnosis does not diminish a person’s creativity, identity, or ability to contribute. Artistic expression can provide opportunities for connection and storytelling while allowing people living with dementia to be recognized for their talents and perspectives.
“The talent and variety on display in this year’s Showcase highlights the creativity of Pennsylvania’s senior community,” said Susan S. Cohen, PCA Council Chair. “Our Council works to emphasize, strengthen and support creative energy, which we now have on view in this inspiring exhibit. It is a wonderful illustration of the Commonwealth’s creative vitality.”
This year’s exhibition also supports the work of PDA’s Office of Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) to elevate the voices and experiences of people living with dementia and their caregivers. The ADRD Office, created by Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2024, is leading the development of Pennsylvania’s next five-year state plan for Alzheimer’s, dementia and related disorders, with a focus on coordinated action, health equity and caregiver supports.
The Older Artists of PA Showcase can be viewed during regular Capitol visiting hours throughout August in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. A complete gallery of the selected artists, their work and additional information about the exhibition is available at www.pa.gov/OlderArtistsShowcase
Showcase artists, listed by county of residence, are:
Janet Powers, Adams County
Pam Wisor, Adams County
Mark Colvin, Allegheny County
Sheila Klotz, Allegheny County
Jeannie McGuire, Allegheny County
Grace Siyufy, Allegheny County
Sayeed Syed, Allegheny County
Deborah Eater, Bucks County
Elaine Heitzer, Butler County
Jack Herklotz, Butler County
Elizabeth Korczynski, Butler County
Neal Grubb, Chester County
Dorothy Crissman, Clearfield County
Linda Doucette, Columbia County
Paul Grecian, Columbia County
Diana Meng, Cumberland County
Florence Lauria, Delaware County
Lawrence Kownacki, Erie County
Robert Kennedy, Lackawanna County
Mary Reuther, Lackawanna County
Daniel Yocom, Lancaster County
Daniel Ellison, Montgomery County
Sharon Pachler, Montgomery County
Nazareth Memory Care, Montour County
James Gloria, Northampton County
Mary Pierce, Pike County
Doug Cober, Somerset County
Ellen Golden, Somerset County
Jessica Ellen Boice, Warren County
Ophelia Chambliss, York County
