Morris County, Norwescap honor local artists at annual Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming joined Norwescap in celebrating local creativity at the 2025 Annual Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show Awards Ceremony and Reception, held recently at the Morris County Library.
Two dozen artists and their supporters gathered for a luncheon and awards presentation recognizing the artistic talents of Morris County residents ages 55 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities. The 18th annual art show featured 30 original works across five categories: acrylic painting, watercolor painting, photography, mixed media, and drawing. The pieces were displayed at the library’s public gallery space.
“The work that is being done here is amazing and we are so grateful for our partnership with Norwescap and the funding provided by the Morris County Commissioners,” said Christine Hellyer, director of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming.
The Morris County Commissioners allocate approximately $5,000 annually through grants-in-aid to support the art program. The show is organized by Norwescap’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in partnership with the county’s Office on Aging, with winners receiving gift cards for their achievements.
“Art keeps your mind fresh,” said Christine Coffey, Norwescap’s chief development officer. “It keeps you thinking, engaged and looking. It’s a way for us to celebrate the gift of creativity as well as community. The art show is one of Norwescap’s initiatives to keep senior citizens active and engaged in the community. Other programs include volunteer work and reaching out to other seniors via phone calls and visits.”
“Norwescap has been around for 60 years serving five counties including Morris County. We have about 30,000 clients and the RSVP program is just one piece of the pie. Our goal is ultimately to raise people up, meet them where they are and help them feel less alone and isolated, and to know that we are here for them no matter the situation,” Coffey added.
In addition to supporting older adults, Norwescap’s programs also focus on early childhood education, workforce development, food security, housing and community development, and volunteer engagement.
Morris County officials congratulated all participants and thanked Norwescap for its continued collaboration and commitment to community engagement through the arts.
2025 Art Show Winners
Pastel
1st Place – Sorky Lampe – “Tiger”
Oil
1st Place – Wilma Pitman – “Lion”
Mixed Media
1st Place – Sorky Lampe – “Boardwalk”
2nd Place – Mary Kane – “Grandma’s Garden”
3rd Place – Bert Schwartz
Drawing
1st Place – Brian Bivens – “Autumn Morning”
2nd Place – Eugene Newman – “Edouard Manet”
Acrylic
1st Place – Patricia Anderson – “The Woods”
2nd Place – Theresa Tomeo – “Blue Vase”
3rd Place – Annie Tung – “Unconditional Love”
Photography
1st Place – Tom Cassidy – “Arizona Mountains”
2nd Place – Roy Shujaati – “Red Hooded Woman”
3rd Place – Barton Hale Askera – “Frozen Around the Edge in February”
Watercolor
1st Place – MaryAnne Tunstead – “Old Shed”
2nd Place – Mary Kane – “Misty Memories”
3rd Place – Patricia Anderson – “Jonathan”
The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, located at 340 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township, offers a range of services including senior centers, caregiver support, nutrition programs, disability resources, veterans services, and transportation assistance.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-285-6848 or 1-800-564-4656.
