RAHWAY, NJ — Rahway Senior Citizens Center recently had its Senior Art Show.
This year’s theme was “Songs That Have Touched Our Lives.” In addition to the showcased artwork, there was another wall filled with art that was inspired by songs.
“As always, I’m tremendously proud,” said Laura Brown, art instructor. “Diversity, style and experience. This is the best show ever – and I say that every year.”
Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr. said, “All seniors have a real talent to express themselves through art. This is a special event. Everyone is here enjoying themselves.”
Sharon Lopez, of Woodbridge, created an oil painting inspired by the book and television series, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” She said, “Her political climate supported women’s rights. She escaped what was going on.”
But for those unfamiliar with “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the painting also resembles “Little Red Riding Hood” – a song by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.
Valerie Richardson, of Rahway, created her piece, “Stairway to Heaven,” which she calls her “theme song.” She said, “It’s one of my favorite songs. It means that you’re walking into something unknown, heavenly and beautiful. You meet your loved ones at some point.”
Pamela Scott, of Rahway, created an oil pastel called “Waterfall.” The song is by Chris Tomlin and Scott felt it matched her picture. “I love waterfalls,” she said.
Tina Paonessa, of Rahway, did an acrylic painting called “Come Back to Sorrento” – a song by Dean Martin. She said, “I visited Italy and Sorrento last year. It’s like heaven on earth. My father used to say, ‘You can see Sorrento and die, it’s like heaven.’ I grew up listening to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. They stand the test of time. They always sound good. When you take a trip to Italy, people there love those songs.”
Bill Buchan, of Rahway, did an acrylic painting of a cardinal. He said, “It’s an inspirational bird.” He had another painting in the show, also on acrylic, inspired by The Beatles song, “Here Comes the Sun.” He said, “It’s just one of those things that came to me. I enjoy it.” Buchan has been painting for five years.
Lois Vivian Bogan calls herself a “beginner.” She began drawing with the senior art class last September. She drew a butterfly and chose colors to which she’s drawn. Bogan plans on drawing more and taking more classes.
Angel Munoz-Avalon provided entertainment on the harp, performing some of the songs that inspired the paintings, including the work of Billy Joel, The Beatles and classical music. “I’ve been playing since I was 9. I’m 23 now.” Munoz-Avalon was born in Rahway and lives in Staten Island.
Some of the other song-inspired works of art include “Hound Dog,” by Elvis Presley – a watercolor hound dog created by Elizabeth Clark; and an oil painting by Jimmy Alford, representing the song “Moon River,” by Andy Williams.
To learn more about the Rahway Senior Citizens Center, visit: https://www.cityofrahway.org/196/Division-of-Senior-Services.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
