QUEENS — It’s never too late to explore new passions and talents.
A group of Queens seniors who recently fell in love with painting while attending art classes at the Pomonok Senior Center, now have their works on display at the Resorts World Casino's Red Wall Art Gallery in Jamaica.
“I’ve been coming to the Pomonok Senior Center for 31 years,” said Kulwant Bains, one of the 14 participating seniors. “I never did any art before this. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do real art, but now I’ve made more than 100 paintings.”
Many of the seniors began exploring their talents only after retiring, the organizers said. For some, it's become a new way of expressing themselves, for others a way to deal with illness or loneliness.
The artists who range in age from 60- to 90-years-old, represent a culturally diverse group of retired nurses, accountants, financial analysts and business owners, the organizers said.
“I’m inspired when they come to class and then in a matter of months they are geniuses,” said Carlton Murrell, an artist and teacher for the art class at Pomonok, a program serviced through Queens Community House.
Michelle Stoddart, of Resorts World Casino, said in a statement the exhibit is a way “to celebrate the accomplishments of local community members.”
Over the years, the Red Wall Art Gallery presented a number of exhibits showcasing Queens artists, including former Queens Borough President photographer Dominick Totino and local quilters.
The exhibit entitled “Life Reimagined” will be open at the Red Wall Art Gallery through Dec. 31. The casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica.
