Photographs From the Outside

QCP ARTISTS DISPLAY WORK AT MANHATTAN GALLERY 307

The work of 24 artists from the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State were on display at The Carter Burden Center for the Aging’s Gallery 307, located at 307 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1401, in Manhattan.

“Photographs From the Outside,” was on display from July 22-August 20, 2010, and exhibited the work of artists from Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and Queens Centers for Progress.  The show was a collection of photographs by these artists that were taken with both regular cameras and adaptive camera devices.

Seven QCP photographers, who attend the Community Connections Center for Seniors and the 164^th Street Day Habilitation Program, exhibited their work.  All of the photographs were snapped while the photography clubs were visiting various locations in the city.  Some of the outdoor scenes include Kissena Park, South Street Seaport, Queens Botanical Garden, Chinatown, and the Empire State building.

Photographs on display included Ira Rosenthal’s "View from the Empire State Building, 2009" and  "Pink Rose, 2009."  The "Pink Rose" was taken during a photo trip to the Queens Botantical Garden, one of his favorite spots using a digital camera.    Ira is a 62 year old man who has attended the QCP Day Habilitation Program for older adults for over 6 years.  He enjoys photographing flowers and panoramic views of buildings.  The QCP Photo Club offers a social outlet for Ira to explore and showcase his artistic talents.

Michael Kelly also exhibited his colorful multi-media artwork.  He is shown with Day Services staff Jeff Howard, Josie Davide and Michelle Jardine in front of his work.   Michael Kelly enjoys taking photos of people and places.  Michael is always enthusiastic when given the chance to express himself in a creative manner.  Michael attends the Day Hab program at QCP three days each week.  He has a job in the community where he performs clerical and custodial duties twice weekly.

‘Photographs from the Outside’ is the third collaborative art exhibit by the three agencies.  Previous art exhibits were held in 2009 at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and at the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association.  They included exhibits of paintings, ceramics, sculpture and photography.

The QCP Photography Clubs are organized and managed by Day Service staff Myrna Lopez and Jeffrey Howard.  Myrna teaches photography to the Community Connection Center seniors and Jeff instructs in the Day Hab Program.  The Photography Clubs are very popular in both programs.  The Club members enjoy visiting the various locations in NYC, learning new skills and expressing themselves creatively.

By opening Gallery 307, The Carter Burden Center for the Aging builds on its traditions and recent merger with Elder Craftsmen and supports the older population by tapping into their creativity.  Arts programming is presented through workshops for seniors throughout the city taught by skilled professional artists.  Teaching artists offer art and craft workshops in senior centers and on site at the Gallery 307 studio space, in addition to bringing craft-making to the homebound elderly.  Workshops include the ever-popular quilting and handmade crafts for donation to hospital patients.  The program also offers multi-generational art classes with registration open to the general public, for a fee, at the studio space.  For more information on The Carter Burden Center for the Aging, please visit www.burdencenter.org.