67th Street Library Exhibits Seniors Work

Twenty senior citizens participated at the 67th Branch of the New York Public Library Creative Aging program, a eight-week class during which they explored the world of color. A reception drew 40 area residents on Saturday, July 27. Some of the art work is on view through October.

It will be open to the public when the 3rd floor is open, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 PM to 7 PM Saturdays 11 AM to 3 PM.

Through hand-painted paper collage and explorations with tempera paint and watercolor, seniors learned about the color wheel, primary, secondary and tertiary colors, and tints and shades. Through color mixing and color juxtapositions, the ways that colors change their appearance depending upon the impact one color has upon another, participants will explore the visual and emotional impact of color on the artist and on the viewer.

Creative Aging in the libraries is funded by LifetimeArts.org. The theme at the 67th Street Library is Captured by Color. In addition, shape, form, paint application, including brushstroke, gesture and different kinds of tools for applying paint and achieving expressive mark-making were explored. Subject matter includes shape abstractions, abstractions from nature, still life and the figure. Artists whose work is associated with powerful color impact including Matisse, Joseph Albers, Picasso, Paul Klee, Bonnard, Sonia Delauney and Georgia O'Keefe was presented for inspiration. Library staff encouraged visits to galleries and museums in the area. Participants' work hangs on the walls of the library to highlight them as if in a gallery.

Lifetime Arts' Libraries Project is based on a vision for mobilizing the public space of the library to deliver arts education for and with older adults. The vision includes building effective collaborations between teaching artists and librarians.