County artist part of state showcase

Thirty Pennsylvanians, whose artwork was selected for the second annual Older Artists of PA Showcase, were celebrated during a special reception hosted at Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence. Warren County resident and artist Jessica Ellen Boice was at the event as wwell after being selected in the professional category for her work in watercolor.

The showcase is a partnership between PDA and PA Creative Industries (formerly the Council on the Arts) that emerged during the development of Aging Our Way, PA - a 10-year plan to improve the framework of aging services. The event brought in selected artists from throughout the commonwealth, as well as their families, state officials, and community partners together to recognize the artists and celebrate the role creative expression can play throughout a person's life. Following the reception, the artists traveled to the State Capitol to view their work in the East Wing Rotunda.

The exhibition features work in three categories: Professional, Nonprofessional, and Artist Over 60 Living with Dementia. The new category for artists living with dementia was added this year to recognize that a diagnosis does not diminish a person's creativity, identity, or ability to contribute. Artistic expression can provide opportunities for connection and storytelling while allowing people living with dementia to be recognized for their talents and perspectives.

Open to all artists, Boice shared the event was well attended. She was honored that her work was selected for the second year in a row. Boice shared that a poignant highlight of the reception was the tribute paid to two distinguished, elderly artists living with dementia.

The transparency and luminosity of watercolor makes it the ideal medium for Boice's botanical and landscape work. She added, "Painting feels like a talent I’ve been gifted by God, and since retirement I finally have time to devote to doing the best that I can with it."

Boice also has a banner from the 2026 Jamestown Artscape hung outside of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown.

Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich said, "This showcase celebrates the talent, experience, and individuality that older Pennsylvanians bring to communities across our Commonwealth. These artists include people who have spent decades developing their craft, those who discovered a passion for art later in life, and people living with dementia who continue to express themselves and connect with others through their artistry. We are proud to share their work and allow the public to see aging through a lens of creativity."

The showcase builds on the partnership between PDA and Pennsylvania Creative Industries that began during the development of Aging Our Way, PA, the Shapiro Administration's 10-year strategic plan to improve the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The plan, which received a $1 million increase in the 26-27 budget, recognizes the importance of belonging, social connection, lifelong learning, and opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged in their communities.

“The talent and variety on display in this year's Showcase highlights the creativity of Pennsylvania's senior community,” said Susan S. Cohen, PCA Council Chair. "Our Council works to emphasize, strengthen and support creative energy, which we now have on view in this inspiring exhibit. It is a wonderful illustration of the Commonwealth's creative vitality."

This year's exhibition also supports the work of PDA's Office of Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) to elevate the voices and experiences of people living with dementia and their caregivers. The ADRD Office, created by Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2024, is leading the development of Pennsylvania's next five-year state plan for Alzheimer's, dementia and related disorders, with a focus on coordinated action, health equity and caregiver support.

The Older Artists of PA Showcase can be viewed during regular Capitol visiting hours throughout August in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. A complete gallery of the selected artists, their work and additional information about the exhibition is available at www.pa.gov/OlderArtistsShowcase

Boice's Facebook page is called "My Kitchen Studio."