(Courtesy of Kaplen JCC on the Palisades) The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Waltuch Art Gallery, located at 411 E. Clinton Avenue in Tenafly, presents “Aging and Creativity,” an exhibition of artwork by senior adults who attend The Club, a new social group connected with the Kaplen Adult Reach Center at the JCC geared for senior adults. The show will be on display June 1-29, with a free meet-the-artist-reception on Sunday, June 3, 1-3 p.m.
This must-see exhibit, for young and old alike, features paintings, photographs, prints, mosaics, fiber arts and crafts and other imaginative works created by Club participants. The goal of this unique senior program is to foster personal growth and individualism, while giving participants a unique sense of purpose. They garden, exercise, reminisce and dance, then settle in to create unique works of art. In many cases, they work collaboratively, where no one artist is the star, each adding his or her own individual “signature” to create a masterpiece. A mentor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art makes monthly visits to spark everyone’s creativity.
“Seniors are thriving in this program,” says Judi Nahary, director of the JCC Senior Adult Center. “It is now known that creative and artistic activities help the brain resist decline, while actually improving quality of life, and we see living proof of this every day. Our participants are fully engaged in the variety of activities we offer.”
The special interest clubs include photography, dance, art gallery, cooking, gardening, sports, travel, book discussions, edible art, bowling, nature, reminiscence and fitness. In addition to the clubs, the participants enjoy round-trip, door-to-door/arm-to-arm transportation in a handicapped-accessible vehicle, a light breakfast and a delicious, hot, kosher lunch planned by a nutritionist. The trained staff includes a recreation therapist, program coordinator, social work supervisor and a corps of volunteers. The Club meets Monday-Friday in a safe, comfortable and attractive facility for a full day of programs.
The Waltuch Art Gallery is a community space that exhibits thematically Jewish artwork, or art produced by Jewish artists. All gallery exhibits and receptions are free and open to the community, where JCC membership is not required. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Saturday and Jewish holidays.
For more information on gallery exhibitions, contact Nina Bachrach at 201-408-1406 or [email protected]. For more information on senior clubs and programs, contact Roni Tadmor at 201-569-7900 ext. 1503 or [email protected], or Judi Nahary at 201-408-1450 or [email protected].
