May 22nd 2002

HARRISBURG (May 22) -– On behalf of Gov. Mark Schweiker, Department of Aging Acting Secretary Lori Gerhard and the Pennsylvania Council on Aging today honored older Pennsylvanians for their artistic achievements at the 16th annual Senior Arts Festival.

Hundreds of older Pennsylvanians continue to participate in this festival year after year. And, each year we are amazed at the talent of the artists and grateful that they share their brilliant artistic achievements with us,” Gerhard said. “Older Pennsylvanians, through their skills, experiences and imaginations, have a great deal to share with their communities, families and the Commonwealth. This festival provides them with an opportunity to ‘show-off’ their incredible dedication and talents.”

Secretary Gerhard said the winners were chosen from among 317 entries submitted by seniors statewide.

John Del Monte, 77, of Bethel Park, Allegheny County, won the “Best of Show Award” for his oil painting, “Luther.” Festival judges described the painting as “demonstrating superb painting skills.” Del Monte has a degree from Carnegie Mellon and received scholarships to various art schools.

Alta Mae Hessert, of Kingsley, Susquehanna County, won the “Secretary’s Award” for her watercolor, “First Ice.” Hessert draws the inspiration for many of her paintings from the natural scenery surrounding her home. She is a member of both the Hill Country Artists and the Endless Mountains Council of the Arts.

A complete list of the award winners follows:

ACRYLIC: First Place, “Duncot Visited,” Paul G. Yesavage, Pottsville, Schuylkill County; Second Place, “Self Portrait – Age 20ty,” Tadeusz Suchodolski, Northampton, Bucks County; Third Place, “Baths of Caracalla,” Willard Dominick, Clearfield; Honorable Mention, “Jazz Fans,” Joe Welden, Montrose, Susquehanna County; “Fall,” Beverly Weintrob, King of Prussia, Montgomery County.

OIL: First Place, “Nude Back View,” Corinne Mehl, Coatesville, Chester County; Second Place, “Kitchen Windowsill,” Robert Ischinger, West Reading, Berks County; Third Place, “Farm Show Building, Harrisburg,” Fritz Vonderheiden, Camp Hill, Cumberland County; Honorable Mention, “Winter in the Woods,” Dorothy Walters, Primos, Delaware County; “The Winter,” Vera Rivkin, Pittsburgh.

Other Medium: First Place, “Pandora’s Box – Dial 911,” Marlene Comunale, Sharon, Mercer County; Second Place, “Hometown Salfordville PA,” Elizabeth Ford, Harleysville, Montgomery County; Third Place, “Bongo Players,” Frank Stephens, Philadelphia; Honorable Mention, “Senior,” Daniel Ankudovich, Hazelton; “Network,” Rose Runkle, Harrisburg.

Photography: First Place, “Made in America,” James Logue, Lehighton, Carbon County; Second Place, “Tribute in Light,” Martino Dominick, Kunkletown, Monroe County; Third Place, “Two Buildings,” Maria Ferenbaugh, Harrisburg; Honorable Mention, “The Old Fashion Way,” Howard Jarvis, Warren; “Winter Mirage,” Stephen A. Westley, Erie;

Watercolor: First Place, “Skipjack in Squall,” John B. Megonegal, Newtown Square, Delaware County; Second Place, “Spirit of Stage,” Agnes Boyle, Macungie, Lehigh County; Third Place, “Spring Awakening,” Dorothea Smith, Steelton, Dauphin County; Honorable Mention, “Flowers,” Clarence Harris, Willow Grove, Montgomery County; and “Final Mooring,” Barbara Jones, Collegeville, Montgomery County.

The artwork will be on display in the Capitol East Wing, Harrisburg, until June 20.

2002

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Aging
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

CONTACT:
Larissa B. Johnson
Press Secretary
Department of Aging
(717) 783-1549

Content Last Modified on 5/22/2002 4:23:47 PM