For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Sara Arif
Director of Public Affairs
Kansas Department on Aging
Sara.arif@aging.ks.gov
785.296.6154

First Lady Presents Art is Ageless Governor's Choice Award

May 20, 2011 (Topeka) — Kansas First Lady Mary Brownback presented the Governor’s Choice Award at the 2011 Art is Ageless reception. Clyde Engert, of Andover, received the award for the professional category with his pencil drawing work. Ralph Keefe, of Arkansas City, received the amateur award for a wood sculpture he carved. The Art is Ageless program celebrates artistic works created by seniors across Kansas and Missouri.

“Art is a lifelong expression of creativity which is not lost when people age,” First Lady Brownback said. “It is wonderful to have such a robust senior arts community in Kansas.”

Art can provide a vehicle for seniors to share experiences from their lives and to express their individuality. Particularly for Kansas aging population, art is often used as a tool to pass on traditions, interests and stories to younger generations and to inspire families, friends and communities.

“It is important that seniors still have choices in their lives. Programs like Art is Ageless reinforce person-centered care, which takes into account residents’ longtime interests and personal preferences in their care later in life,” explained Secretary of Aging Shawn Sullivan.

Originally started in 1980, Art is Ageless is a competition for seniors to have their artwork appear in an annual calendar. Since then, the program has grown to include note cards, birthday cards, sympathy cards, anniversary cards and Christmas cards.  Past winners have included paintings, pastel portraits, crocheting, pottery, hand-painted china, wood and bronze sculptures and a custom made banjo. Continuing longtime interests and pursuits can dramatically affect the quality of life for many seniors.

###

The Kansas Department on Aging promotes the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors.