highlights

Projects with Older Adults

In 2025, PCA&M facilitated four dynamic projects across the region with older adults in community and senior centers:

• Teaching Artist/Papermaker Katy DeMent created handmade paper and collages with participants at Swissvale Senior Center.
• Teaching Artist/Interdisciplinary Artist Maritza Mosquera created mixed media pieces inspired by famous artists and works of art at Plum Community Center.
• Teaching Artist/Collage and Mosaic Artist Laura Jean McLaughlin created mixed media collages with participants at Center at the Mall at Beaver Valley Mall.
• Teaching Artist/Papermaker Katy DeMent created paper mache sculptures, marbled paper, and collages with participants at Turtle Creek Senior Center.

Additionally, artists from Southwestern Veterans Center joined forces with Teaching Artist Maritza Mosquera to create art works inspired by great artists. Each creator explored concepts and materials used by artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, Kehinde Wiley, Max Beckmann, and many more.

The Residents of the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Southwestern Veterans’ Center learned about art history and notable works of art while sharing memories and stories. Residents experience creative storytelling processes, collaging, and painting.

Many of the artworks created during this residency were framed and exhibited on-site for members of the SWVC. community to celebrate and appreciate. We were also honored to showcase an exhibition of these works at PCA&M’s Scaife Building.  Their vibrant exhibition was composed of original works which explore color, composition, line, and ideas that are both traditional and modern. The exhibition is currently being shown at Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s downtown offices. You can view take a virtual tour of the exhibition by going to GPAC’s Facebook page. The virtual tour was posted on August 14. (We’ll post a direct link if it becomes available.)

Thanks to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review for this article about the exhibition!