Over 70 pieces are on display as part of the Bensalem Senior Citizens Association art exhibit
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
There is something special about putting pencil to paper and letting the imagination flow. Art can be created at all stages of life for specific reasons or simply for relaxation. For residents at the Bensalem Senior Center, it’s a little bit of both. On display until June 23 at the Bucks County Visitor Center is the Bensalem Senior Citizens Association art exhibit, featuring more than 70 works of art.
As guests walk into the Visitor Center, the colors and designs of the artwork will immediately catch their eye. A variety of mediums were used when creating the pieces, including oil, acrylics, watercolor, pencil drawing and linoleum block prints, and it’s evident that for most of the artists on display, they’re seasoned veterans when it comes to the artistic world.
According to Dave Mackin, art director and instructor at the Bensalem Senior Center who had a large hand in setting up the display, this is the seniors’ first exhibit featured at the Visitor Center. Most of the residents exhibit throughout the year and have their art appear in various shows across the county. Several of the pieces were created during art classes from Mackin and Helen Londergan, another Senior Center art instructor who specializes in linoleum prints and pencil drawings. However, the majority were created on their own time.
Whether it’s painting, drawing or sculpting, art requires time, patience and a vision. This is why it’s beneficial for not only seniors, but anyone looking to express themselves.
“Getting involved in artwork allows us to forget outside distractions and get away from everything,” Mackin said.
The exhibit opened last month, and was celebrated with a large reception allowing family and friends to enjoy their loved one’s creations. Pieces on display capture everything from scenic landscapes to portraits, and each was made with great care. Hanging proudly is an oil painting of a poised ballerina up on pointe entitled “Arabesque.” Two tiny owls crafted with watercolor stare into your soul on a piece called “Wise Guys.” The hustle and bustle of city life explodes around you while taking in “Pennsylvania Rail Road Center City,” a watercolor painting capturing Philadelphia’s Suburban Station. “The First Lady” depicts a color pencil-drawn Melania Trump stating, “I’m my own person, I do what I like to do.”
The exhibit is free to attend each day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the artwork is for sale, with proceeds benefitting the Bensalem Senior Center. Throughout the year, the Center dedicates as much time as possible to sharing its love for art with the community. Partnering with the Bensalem School District, the Center hosts a free summer student program for four weeks in July. More than 50 students from grades three through 12 learn about art and different techniques, all the while having fun and enjoying events such as an ice cream social.
The Bensalem Senior Center also hosts the annual multi-generational art show, which features the artwork of both local students and seniors. This year marked the show’s seventh anniversary, and displayed the pieces of more than 40 students and 100 seniors. At the reception held at the Center, ribbons are awarded to elementary, middle and high school students for best pieces and first, second, third and honorable mentions are awarded to seniors based on the people’s choice. ••
