From Work To Artwork

This watercolor painting from one of MVES' Senior Fine Art Shows of the past adds color and personality to the walls of the MVES office. It, along with many others submitted by local elders, still hangs at MVES.

Creating art is a great way to express oneself at any age. In addition to making art, sharing your creations can allow for an opportunity to connect with others in your community. Keep your eyes open for upcoming occasions that present the chance to share your artwork with others. The two events highlighted below may be just the place to start!

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Window Arts Malden is an initiative bringing community members, businesses, and culture together in Malden through art. Artists who live or work in Malden are encouraged to submit their artwork to Window Arts Malden to be reviewed by a panel of judges. Artists will be selected to display their artwork in the storefronts of downtown Malden businesses.

“This is a great opportunity for both local artists and for business owners to gain visibility,” said Robin Inman, Window Arts Malden participant coordinator. “At the same time, the public will benefit as the streets of Malden will be alive with art!”

Artists’ proposals and images of their artwork are due by July 7. Artists who are selected will be notified and paired with a business by July 19. Artwork will be displayed from September 6 through 30.

For more information on requirements to submit artwork and proposals to Windows Arts Malden, please contact Robin Inman at 781-324-8826 or rshrier@att.net. Visit www.maldenarts.com for further details on the project and to see some photos of 2006’s Window Arts Malden.

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) Senior Fine Art Show offers an opportunity for older artists, no matter their skill level, to share their artwork with each other and with the community at large. Seniors, 60 and older, living in Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield are encouraged to submit paintings created with oil, acrylic, pastel, or watercolor. Photography can also be submitted. Artwork will be displayed for public viewing at MVES at 300 Commercial Street, #19 in Malden.

Participants are limited to two pieces of artwork and are asked to bring the art framed and wired to MVES' office in Malden from September 18 through 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An entry form will be required at the time of submission.

“Every year our Senior Art Show is a big hit with area elders, community members, and MVES employees alike,” said Dan O’Leary, MVES executive director, “We were undergoing office renovations last year and had to postpone the art show, but we’re happy to announce that we will be hosting it again this year!”

The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning October 1. The exhibit will close on October 19.

Artists and their families and friends are welcome to attend the reception for the 2007 show on September 27. Awards for painting and photography categories will be held on September 27.

For more information on MVES’ Senior Fine Art Show or to request an entry form, please call Sean Maney at 781-324-7705.

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Mahatma Gandhi once said, “True art takes note not merely of form but also what lies behind.”  Part of what lies behind the art is who created it. Who better to create art than an elder with a full life of color and experience to reflect upon and use as inspiration? No matter your level of skill, give art a try. Bring to light your own life experiences, opinions, and stories by creating and sharing your art!