Masterpieces of Maturity
Annual art exhibit showcases work of senior artists

Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip to Paris and viewing the wonderful variety of art the City of Lights has to offer?

Dream no more. Thanks to Fifth Third Bank and the Lexington Art League you can enjoy a visit to a French café, complete with fine wine, tasty treats and beautiful art, by attending the fourth annual Masterpieces of Maturity exhibit May 15-24 at Loudoun House.

Not only will Loudoun House be transformed into a French café but those attending the exhibit will also have the chance to win a trip to Paris to experience the sights and tastes of France first-hand.

However, even those who don't win the trip will he winners with this exhibit. Whether you just love to view fine art or wish to purchase a piece to take home, there will surely be something in the more than 100 pieces on exhibit that takes your fancy.

Founded in 1994, Masterpieces of Maturity is a juried exhibit of artwork paying tribute to artists 50 years of age and older. Created to benefit the Homecare Program, this show provides the participating artists a unique opportunity to showcase their talents while supporting those less fortunate.

Masterpieces of Maturity has grown to become one of the Lexington Art League's largest shows, offering a history of excellent sales and attendance topping 3,000 in just three short years. It now ranks as one of the largest shows of its kind in the country.

"This will be an eclectic show," promises Claudia Miller, who is the Lexington Art League's visual arts director as well as one of the jurors for the show.

"We draw artists from all over the country," says Carol Zazo, marketing director for Fifth Third Bank. "This show traditionally attracts some very big name artists."

The show was also juried by Ellen Glasgow, a nationally recognized landscape painter from Frankfort, and Sheldon Tapley, a painter and teacher from Danville.

Art on exhibit will range from paintings and photographs to pottery, glass and sculpture. Every piece on display will be for sale.

The show has no theme and the artists themselves have only two things in common -- a love of art and the fact they are over 50.

Do not think these are artists who only dabble at their craft as something to pass the time in their golden years. These artists are serious about their work and many have spent decades improving their visualization and delivery.

"Those who are really into art are not going to be limited by their age," Miller observes. "Art really spans all ages. It is hard to find a common link between their work. Their styles are quite varied, but they are probably more mature in their styles and secure in themselves."

While the artists and art lovers who take part in Masterpieces of Maturity will enjoy the weekend event, there is another group who will also benefit -- the needy elderly of Central Kentucky.

Masterpieces of Maturity is a benefit for the Agency on Aging's Homecare Program.

The program assists physically-impaired elderly in Central Kentucky. Homecare provides an array of essential services that allow these individuals to live in the dignity of their own home, preventing unnecessary institutionalization.

"This is really a win/win situation," notes Zazo. "It gives us a chance to give something back to the community we service, gives the art league increased exposure and provides an important source of funding for Homecare. This is the only fundraiser Homecare has."

The Homecare Program is directed to those Kentuckians over the age of 60 who require basic essential services to allow them to live at home and avoid institutional placement. Homecare serves 17 counties in the Bluegrass area.

Over the past three years, proceeds from Masterpieces of Maturity have totaled more than $20,000 and provided 558 hours of homemaker/home management, 756 hours of respite to relieve a caregiver, 585 hours of personal care, 4,991 home-delivered meals, 140 escorts for doctor visits and minor repairs for 14 homes.

Homecare will receive a 30 percent commission on all Masterpieces of Maturity sales with the net proceeds going to the artist.

Traditionally held over a three-day weekend, this year the event has been extended for a full week.

Masterpieces will open with a Gala Artists' Reception 8 p.m. May 15. For a $25 donation, art aficionados can view and purchase the art before the exhibit opens to the general public as well as enjoy a French wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres by The Coach House and music by the Jazz Arts Foundation.

The Public Show and Sale will continue May 16-24 with a $2 donation giving access to more than 100 pieces of art.

Those attending the exhibit will also have the opportunity to buy a chance to win a trip for two to the Musee du Louvre in France. The drawing will be made during the Lexington Art League's "Fourth Friday" event on May 22.

For more information about the Masterpieces of Maturity exhibit and the Lexington Art League, contact Claudia Miller at (606)254-7024.

Deanna Mascle is a staff writer for The Lane Report.

Back to May Issue

Back to Arts Index

Copyright 1996-98, by Kentucky Business Online, LLC.  All rights reserved.

Editorial content is copyright 1998, Lane Communications Group
All editorial materials is fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without prior permission. 

Buzzword and the Buzzword balloon are registered trademarks of Buzzword, Inc.  The Lane Report is a trademark of Lane Communications Group.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.