SU-CASA a DCA initiative

SU-CASA grants are generously funded by the New York City Council in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs providing intensive arts residencies led by Lehman College Art Gallery teaching artists in Senior Centers in NYC. Many seniors overcome fears of lack of exposure to visual arts instruction and not feeling that they are artists. Teaching artists encourage participants to take risks and many have remarked they were surprised by how much they had learned and the positive impact it had on them. Many said they felt relaxed while creating art in the residency and look forward to more opportunities for authentic art making.  The culminating exhibitions provide opportunity for seniors to share their experiences and showcase their artwork. These final exhibitions create a space for reflection and positive feedback from participants’ peers, instructors and administrators. They build self-esteem, confidence and allow seniors to joyfully celebrate their learning, proficiency and achievements in visual arts. The entire senior center community is invited, promoting the program and providing an opportunity for the senior center community at large to see the work produced in the residency.