August 4th - 25th, 2017

The Strand Center for the Arts was excited to host the exhibit, “Aging Beautiful,” in the Main Gallery in August, 2017. The opening was held on August 4th.  

The purpose of this portrait show “Aging Beautiful” was to bring attention to the subject of aging, to celebrate and honor the experience, polish and wisdom gained from living. All of the work was done from life by the six artists in The Portrait Group at The Strand Center for the Arts: Johannah Tallon, Nancy Fischer, Chris Velsey, Sara Black, Martha Wilson and Cynthia Root. The show was arranged by different artistic portraits of the same subject, quotes about aging will be sprinkled throughout. As Maya Angelou aptly said, “Do it if you can.”

 Furthermore, the show is dedicated to the memory of S. Booker. Booker, who was a well trained and established artist in New York City. He had his first solo gallery exhibit there in 1961. In the late 1970’s he relocated his studio to Plattsburgh.  The community was lucky to have him and was graced by his gentlemanly presence.  Many of the older people who generously sat for the artists knew and loved Booker. As a member of the group since its inception seven years ago he was always inspirational and with a twinkle in his eye tickled everyone with his unique Booker wit.

 “I think this is a great idea for a show,” stated gallery director, David Monette, “There are very talented artists in the Portrait Group at the Strand, all willing to work on a common theme concerning aging, a topic not very often discussed. I think it’s great.”