HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro administration recently celebrated 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. Among the honorees is Mary Pierce of Pike County.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, 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 through 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.”

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,” a press release noted.

Since taking office in 2023, Shapiro has invested more than $20 million to make life better for older Pennsylvanians by helping them stay safe, healthy and engaged in their communities and to continue building community supports as they age.

This year’s exhibition also supports the work of the Office of Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) to elevate the voices and experiences of people living with dementia and their caregivers. 

The Older Artists of PA Showcase can be viewed during regular visiting hours through 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.