CREATIVITY IS AGELESS

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Some of Philadelphia’s most creative minds are over 55 years old, proving that imagination and artistic vision are thriving in the city’s senior community. During the month of May, senior art of all types will be on display during Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) fourth annual Seniors Celebrate the Arts, a month-long celebration presented by PECO, An Exelon Company, that coincides with National Older Americans Month.

More than 25 organizations throughout the region will join the city-wide celebration as they offer older Philadelphians a wealth of creative programs including classes in ballroom dancing, art (ceramics, stained glass, pottery, painting), quilting, music, singing, and drama. PCA has also coordinated reduced senior admission during the month of May to 25 cultural institutions including The Kimmel Center, The Annenberg Center, and the Prince Music Theater, among many others. Audiences will also be able to enjoy various dance, drama and music recitals performed by seniors at a variety of venues throughout the month.

“Despite stereotypes of popsicle sticks and cross-stitch, seniors are devoting their time to learning and sharpening their fine art skills and interests,” said Joan Zaremba, PCA marketing director. “Whether it’s oil painting, pottery, ballroom dancing, or taking in a matinee, the creative juices are flowing in the senior communities throughout Philadelphia.”

The original works of more than 100 of the region’s most talented artists, aged 55 and over, will complement the Seniors Celebrate the Arts festivities with free gallery showings from May 1st through May 26th at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, The Gallery at 1622 Chestnut Street, and at Philadelphia Senior Center, located at 509 S. Broad Street. PCA received an unprecedented response to this year’s call for artists and selected 125 paintings, photography, mixed media, and sculptured masterpieces to display for the public to enjoy.

“Seniors Celebrate the Arts showcases the talent and fosters the creativity of some of the most gifted individuals throughout our region,” said Zaremba. “We look forward to a successful month-long program illustrating the extraordinary artistic ability of Philadelphia’s seniors and unleashing the creativity in others.”

The public can obtain additional Seniors Celebrate the Arts information by calling PCA at 215-765-9000, ext. 5050. A special supplement in the May 2006 issue of Milestones, a free PCA publication available at senior centers, libraries and retail outlets, will list Seniors Celebrate the Arts events and discount coupons.

In addition, PCA will be raising money to support arts-related programming for Philadelphia's seniors by selling art cards suitable for any occasion. A pack of ten blank note cards featuring five, different full-color reproductions of original work created by some of the areas most talented senior artists is available for $15 and can be ordered by calling 215-765-9000, ext. 5050.

About PECO
Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 470,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2005, the company delivered 38.7 million megawatt-hours (Mwh) of electricity and 85.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas to residential, business and institutional customers. PECO’s energy delivery services generated $4.91 billion in revenue for Exelon. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.

About PCA
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), a private, non-profit Area Agency on Aging, was established in 1973 to coordinate social services for Philadelphians who are older or who have disabilities and to assist them in achieving optimum levels of health, independence, and productivity. One of the region’s largest non-profit organizations, PCA is funded in part by the federal Older Americans Act, Medical Assistance, and the Pennsylvania Lottery, all channeled through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. For information about PCA’s services and programs, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit www.pcaphl.org.
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