Local Artists Shine at Annual Morris County Art Show

Norwescap Program Celebrates Talents of Seniors and People with Disabilities

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. - The Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, in collaboration with Norwescap, hosted the 2024 Annual Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show Awards Ceremony and Reception earlier this week at the Morris County Library.

The 17th annual event featured a vast array of creative works across five art categories: Acrylic Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, Watercolor and Drawing. The contributions of each participant were acknowledged with a certificate of recognition, and first-place winners will have their artwork featured in the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show in October.

The Morris County Commissioners annually approve approximately $5,000 through grants in aid to fund the art program, which celebrates the artistic skills and talents of Morris County's seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“The Commissioners are proud to support this program each year. This is just one of the many wonderful programs Morris County and Norwescap work together to offer our seniors and residents with special needs,” said Commissioner Tayfun Selen.

Commissioner Selen presented a Certificate of Honor on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners to Norwescap CEO Mark Valli and staff, as well as Christine Hellyer and Shawnna Bailey of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, for their involvement in coordinating the annual event.

"Art has the power to bridge gaps, create connections, and bring joy to our lives. Today, we celebrate not just the art, but the incredible artists who have shared their talents with us," said Norwescap CEO Mark Valli, reminding everyone of the Pablo Picasso quote: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

In addition to supporting seniors, Norwescap's services include early childhood programs, employment services, nutrition and food security initiatives, housing and community development, and volunteer and civic engagement programs, such as the Norwescap RSVP program.

The annual art show was put on hold during the pandemic, but officially relaunched in October 2023. The program was held in July this year to allow artists the opportunity for their work to be showcased at the statewide event.

The first-place winners, now qualified to compete at the state level, are:

Watercolors: "Escape" by Roseann Testa
Oil: "The Hunt" by Joan Wulff
Acrylic: "Desert Dream at Sunset" by Pat Anderson
Mixed Media: "Spring" by Eugene Newman
Drawing: "Carl Perkins" by Ruth Gimbel
Photography: "Stairway in B&W" by Tom Cassidy
Pastel: "Waterlilies" by Leina'ala Schwartz

Morris County congratulates all the participants and thanks the dedicated team from Norwescap who helps make the program happen each year.

The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, located at 340 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance and information on local services, please contact 973-285-6848 or 1-800-564-4656.