Photos submitted to the Times Observer Jessica Boice, left, of Warren is pictured with First Lady Lori Shapiro during a reception for the “Older Artists of PA Showcase” in Harrisburg.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging joined the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for a reception to celebrate the “Older Artists of PA Showcase” on display in the State Capitol East Wing Rotunda in May. The exhibit was featured throughout the month of May, which is observed nationally as Older Americans Month.

Warren County was represented by watercolor artist Jessica Boice, one of the six artists from the Western Pennsylvania region selected for the inaugural Older Artists of PA Showcase. Her painting “Preaching to the Choir” was among the 30 works in this show, chosen out of more than 500 entries that were juried by panels representing each of the five regions across the commonwealth.

“I was so humbled and honored to be able to attend this reception in the capitol, thanks to the Department of Aging. Being part of this event was a truly momentous experience for me,” Boice said.

At the reception, state Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, personally presented Boice with a Letter of Recognition, and a representative from state Sen. Scott Hutchinson’s office also came to present her with a Certificate of Recognition from the state Senate.

State Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, presents a Letter of Recognition from the state House of Representatives to Jessica Boice, a Warren resident whose watercolor painting “Preaching to the Choir” was chosen to be part of the “Older Artists of PA Showcase.”

“The acknowledgment from our legislators was an unexpected gesture that I greatly appreciate. Our state’s first lady, Lori Shapiro, was also in attendance as one of the featured speakers, and she took time to individually meet and speak with me, and the other artists as well. I think all of the artists felt incredibly privileged and honored at this reception in the Capitol” Boice said.

The showcase continues the partnership between the state Department of Aging and the state Council on the Arts that emerged during the development of Aging Our Way, PA – a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services. In 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro directed the Department of Aging to produce the plan, while his 2025-26 budget proposal includes $2 million to increase accountability and oversight of the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth, and a $20 million investment for local Agencies on Aging.

“Art and creativity are critical to the vitality of our communities, so I am delighted to see enthusiastic participation by older adults from across the Commonwealth,” said Karl Blischke, Executive Director of the PA Council on the Arts. “Seeing so many older adults take this opportunity to express their creativity underscores the fact that creativity is a universal connector. I applaud this year’s exhibit participants and celebrate their artistic accomplishments.”

Photos and video of the event can be seen on the Commonwealth Media Services website at pacast.com/m?p=27552

Jessica Boice of Warren is pictured during the reception for the “Older Artists of PA Showcase” in Harrisburg.