May 15, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY - Shapiro Administration Highlights Older Pennsylvanians' Artwork During the Older Artists of PA Showcase in the State Capitol

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) recently joined the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for a reception to celebrate the older Pennsylvanians who submitted works of art for the first-ever Older Artists of PA Showcase - featuring 30 pieces created by Pennsylvanians aged 60 and older.

The showcase continues the partnership between PDA and the Council that emerged during the development of Aging Our Way, PA - a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services. In 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro directed PDA to produce the plan, while his 2025-26 budget proposal includes $2 million to increase accountability and oversight of the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth, and a $20 million investment for those AAAs to continue their great work.

The winning pieces were selected out of more than 500 entries by panels representing each of the five regions across the Commonwealth. The selected works of art are now on display in the State Capitol East Wing Rotunda until the end of May, which is observed nationally as Older Americans Month.

"While we celebrate older adults every month, Older Americans Month offers another opportunity to honor older Pennsylvanians for their contributions, for staying active, and engaged as they age. Each of the pieces of art that were submitted showcase the talent and contributions older adults make in our communities," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. "We invite everyone who visits the State Capitol to celebrate the creative talents of their friends, neighbors and fellow Pennsylvanians while recognizing the important contributions all older adults make every day."

Speaker list:
First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro
Susan Cohen, Chairwoman, PA Council on the Arts
Lenore Fiore-Mills, Lackawanna County Artist
Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich

• Full Advisory