The Hidden Gems of Aging

Diane Snell, AC Communication Committee

Abstract paintings by Sandra Jo Palm unveil the secrets of elders who relish being old 

With the statement at left, Sandra Jo Palm introduces her show of abstract paintings, currently on display through February 28 at the Central Area Senior Center.  Entitled “Hidden Gems of Aging,” this collection explores the richness of being old.

The exhibition includes a lively “It Ain’t All Downhill,” a brilliantly colored “Seeing Patterns,” and a timely “Our Circle of Concern Expands to Embrace the Whole Planet.” The vibrant art, coupled with profound text, fulfill the stated goal of the show: to combat gerontophobia—the fear of growing old—and ageism, prejudice against the elderly.

Much of Sandra Jo’s work celebrates those areas where the older feel free from the restrictions of the world that constrain the younger. The three paintings at right express various aspects of that idea.

In a presentation at the Central Area Senior Center, Sandra Jo encouraged people to simply enjoy art and not worry about whether or not they understand it.  She said, “You don’t need a college degree to appreciate art. Do you like it or not is all that you need to know.”

Sandra Jo points out that although art was once meant for the elite and educated with its depictions of famous people and historical scenes, one of the forces behind modern art was to make art accessible to everyone. She credits Picasso with changing the modern art world to one of abstraction and color, and with influencing Western European perceptions of beauty to include more diverse forms, such as African Art.

Sandra Jo described her own work as “color field.” Realistic pictures are eliminated in favor of colors that are interesting in themselves. She uses strong, vibrant colors to counteract ageism or stereotyping of the old.

Sandra Jo has been an artist for 40 of her 71 years and started out as a sculptor, focusing on big sculptures in concrete, later moving to water colors when she became fascinated with color. She now works in acrylics, a medium that allows her to layer colors without a muddying effect.

"Hidden Gems of Aging" will be on display at the Central Area Senior Center through the end of February. 

Central Area Senior Center
500 - 30th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 726-4926
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sandra Jo Palm would like to share the “Hidden Gems of Aging” with others and continue showing her work in places where older adults congregate. Organizations interested in displaying this series may contact her directly at 206-328-4895.

For more about the effective confluence of art and aging, see “Art Benefits the Spirit…and Body!” in this issue of Seniors Digest!