The Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show Features Over 160 Artists Ages 70+

The Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show at Pomperaug Woods, Southbury's only not-for-profit retirement community, invites the public to view the work of talented Connecticut artists - all of whom are 70+ years of age - at the seventh annual Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show, September 27 & 28. Themed "The Art of Experience," the show will feature art work created after the artists' 70th birthday.

The art offers a window to the seniors' life experiences. "When we learn the stories behind the work, the work itself changes. A sense of balance and understanding shines through. And always, a wonderful feeling of admiration," says Lisa Huebenthal, Program Director for Pomperaug Woods.

Event Details - CT Juried Art Show Sept 27 & 28

What: 7th Annual Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show, "The Art of Experience," at Pomperaug Woods

Where: Pomperaug Woods Retirement Community, 80 Heritage Road, Southbury

When: Show Open Free to Public - Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28, 11 am to 4 pm

Private Awards Reception for News Media, Artists & Guests on Friday, September 26

More: Much of the artwork is available for purchase. For more event information, call (203) 262-6555, ext. 135, or visit www.PomperaugWoods.com

The Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show, produced by and hosted at Pomperaug Woods, is designed to highlight the talent, wisdom and vitality of seniors age 70+, with the eldest entrant this year being 99. This is the first and only art show of its type in Connecticut. In fact, this show continues to grow in awareness and popularity. This year, the community accepted 405 submissions from 163 artists (up from 253 submissions and 143 artists in 2013) from all corners of Connecticut (55 CT towns are represented). Categories in this year's show are Painting, Drawing, Sculpture and Photography. There are 17 winners overall, four per category, and one Best in Show:

Best in Show: Winner of the Tommie Davis Award

Lorraine Ryan of New Milford, CT - Butterfly Dance (Watercolor)

Winners in Painting Category

1st Place - Ralph Schwartz, age 79, of Monroe, CT - The Wreck of the Sheridan

2nd Place - Joe Sam, age 76, of Hartford, CT - Brazilian Sisters

3rd Place - Nancy Desmond, age 81, of Brookfield, CT - Sheds in Snow

Honorable Mention - Dolores Rose, age 80, of Oxford, CT - Tahitian Girl

Winners in Drawing Category

1st Place - Priscilla Watson, age 70, of Southbury, CT - Barberry Bush

2nd Place - Mary Melious, age 72, of Groton, CT - Picking Apples

3rd Place - William Greene, age 79, of Ellington, CT - The Hunter and the HuntedHonorable Mention - Jeanne Birchfield, age 93, Woodbury, CT - Sand Castles

Winners in Sculpture Category

1st Place - Lon Pelton, age 77, of Windsor, CT - Catch as Cats Can

2nd Place - Hank Sprouse, age 74 Stratford, CT - One Heron's Bad Hair Day

3rd Place - Dr. Theodore Martland, age 84, of Woodbury, CT - Kay

Honorable Mention - Hildegard Brunswick, age 97, of Southbury, CT - Canyon Rocks

Winners in Photography Category

1st Place - Robert Rembish, age 72, Plantsville, CT - Snow Shadows

2nd Place - Fran Barr, age 74, Oxford, CT - Osprey Landing

3rd Place - Judith Humphrey, age 71, of Plainville, CT - The Basket Weaver

Honorable Mention - Betty Saco, age 86, of Oxford, CT - Reflections-2

First-place winners in each of the four categories will receive cash prizes. A $250 prize and crystal trophy in the shape of an artist's palette will be awarded to the "Best in Show Tommie Davis Award." The Best in Show Tommie Davis Award is presented to a Connecticut artist who demonstrates feelings of beauty and life in their artwork. Tommie Davis was a multitalented artist who not only was an award-winning photographer, but a gifted painter and sculptress. Tommie was a resident at Pomperaug Woods for many years and was heavily involved in the Annual Connecticut Senior Juried Art Show. Pomperaug Woods, as the host of this annual juried show, is able to present the award in Tommie's memory because of her generous donation earmarked as an endowment for the arts.

"Our art show celebrates the energy and life experience of seniors," says Huebenthal. "These talented members of our community bring decades of experience to their artwork, which makes this a must-see event."

Judges for this year's CT Senior Juried Art Show include: (1) Zufar Bikbov, a painter and naturalist from Oakville, CT; (2) Laurie Klein, an award-winning fine art and portrait photographer from Brookfield, CT; and (3) Juan Andreu, a sculptor and painter from Bristol, CT. Judge biographies are included on the Pomperaug Woods website:www.PomperaugWoods.com.

Mini canvases and easels, notecards and magnets bearing the winning artists' works will be sold at the event. Proceeds will help fund the continuance of this one-of-a-kind event.

Pomperaug Woods has always made culture and art a priority through its renowned concerts and art exhibits, which is in line with its senior residents' active and purposeful lifestyles.

Winning Artwork Also Exhibited at Mattatuck Museum Oct 5 to Nov 2

Winning artwork will also be featured at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, which is known for its exhibits and collections that interpret the history of the region and the art of Connecticut. Details are as follows:

· October 5 - Opening reception for award-winners at Mattatuck Museum 2 pm - 4 pm; Free to the public (144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702; www.MattatuckMuseum.org)

· October 5 to November 2 - Winning artwork exhibited at Mattatuck Museum

About Pomperaug Woods:

Pomperaug Woods is the first and only not-for-profit community in the Southbury area with consistent ownership and management. Located on 22 acres in Southbury, Pomperaug Woods offers people 62+ a financially secure living option. The community offers various apartment home options. Residents enjoy a warm neighborhood atmosphere, convenient amenities, family-friendly staff and the peace of mind that comes from living in a financially secure community. (www.PomperaugWoods.com)

About Life Care Services LLC, management company for Pomperaug Woods:

Life Care Services, An LCS Company, established in 1971 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, is the nation's leading manager of full-service senior living communities. Life Care Services currently provides operations, marketing and sales management services for not-for-profit and for-profit continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) serving nearly 29,000 residents in 31 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.LCSnet.com andwww.lifecareserviceslcs.com