Celebrate Arts Festival
Celebrating Older Adults in our Community
CelebratEArts 2024
An Annual Arts Festival Celebrating the Creative Works of Older New Yorkers
Educational Alliance invites you to experience the vibrant creativity and rich cultural contributions of older New Yorkers during the third annual CelebratEArts Festival. This month-long event, held throughout May, celebrates the unique talents, artistic skills, and community connections fostered by older adults in our city.
CelebratEArts is a key event in our observance of Older Americans Month and aims to challenge ageism by highlighting the invaluable societal contributions of older New Yorkers. This festival provides a platform for older adults to share their art, express themselves, and connect with the community. In alignment with the theme of Older Americans Month 2024, “Powered by Connection,” this year’s festival emphasizes the importance of social connections and meaningful relationships in promoting health, well-being, and independence among older adults.
The festival is hosted across five Educational Alliance sites, including the Weinberg Center for Balanced Living, Sirovich Center for Balanced Living, Co-Op Village NORC, Project ORE, and the 14th Street Y. Throughout the month, attendees can enjoy a diverse array of gallery exhibits, performances, workshops, art sales, advocacy events, and intergenerational programs. These activities offer a unique opportunity to experience the artistic talents of older adults while fostering community engagement and intergenerational dialogue.
CelebratEArts is a testament to the creativity and passion that older New Yorkers bring to our city. By showcasing their art and encouraging meaningful connections, this festival exemplifies the spirit of adult programming and underscores the vital role that artistry and social engagement play in supporting independence and aging in place.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the creativity, talent, and connections of older New Yorkers during the CelebratEArts Festival, where art serves as the ultimate unifier, bridging generations and fostering a more inclusive community.
Below, you’ll find the schedule of events for CelebratEArts 2024, including dates, times, and locations. Be sure to mark your calendar for a month of inspiration and connection!
All Month Long
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Manny Cantor Center Jewish Communal Fund Gallery | 197 East Broadway
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14Y Gallery | 344 East 14th Street
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Sirovich Gallery & Hall | 331 East 12th Street
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CelebratEArts Virtual Gallery
CelebratEArts Schedule
Join us for a month of art sales, gallery exhibits, performances, workshops, and more – showcasing the talents of older adult artists in the EA community.
Advanced registration is required for some events (where noted). For events with no registration links, walk-ins are welcome! EA Older Adult Members can also stop by the Theater Desk to register or purchase tickets.
Week 1
I’m A Little Teapot Gallery Opening & Meet the Artists
Thursday, May 2 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: 14Y Lobby Gallery | 344 E. 14th Street
Our new I’m a Little Teapot art exhibit showcases original ceramics artwork made by the members of the Sirovich Center Ceramics Program. Engage with the artists, explore their unique works, and enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar.
Our Art Belongs Here Gallery Opening & Meet the Artists
Friday, May 3 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Manny Cantor Center, Rubenstein Gallery | 197 E. Broadway
This month-long art exhibit features the inspiring creativity of the Weinberg Center arts programs and features a special exhibit titled Beyond Blots, led by SU-CASA artist Annysa Ng. Meet and mingle with the artists whose works are on display across the Jewish Communal Fund Gallery in the lobby and the Ernest Rubenstein Gallery on the M Level. Light refreshments will be provided.
Week 2
Craft Sale
Wednesday, May 8 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Manny Cantor Center, Lobby | 197 E. Broadway
Browse a diverse selection of Chinese beading, unique crafts, sewing, and more—all handcrafted by members of the Weinberg Center.
Jewelry Sale
Thursday, May 9 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Manny Cantor Center, Lobby | 197 E. Broadway
Celebrate the special people in your life with beautiful handmade jewelry crafted by artists from Co-Op Village NORC. Discover unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed to make someone feel truly special this Mother’s Day—or any other occasion!
Ceramics Sale
Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sirovich Center, Auditorium | 331 E. 12th Street
Shop ceramics, mosaics, paintings, and jewelry handcrafted by community artisans.
Community Connections & The Sounds of Water Gallery Opening and Meet the Artists
Friday, May 10 | 1:30 – 2:00 PM
Location: Sirovich Center, Auditorium | 331 E. 12th Street
Community Connections is a month-long art exhibit that features the inspiring creativity of the Sirovich Center arts studio and features a special 2-day exhibit titled “The Sounds of Water,” a fountain project by the Sirovich Center Ceramics Program. Meet and mingle with the artists whose works are on display.
Week 3
Stress Less! Workshop
Monday, May 13 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Sirovich Center, Lounge | 331 E. 12th Street
Join our workshop for Mental Health Awareness Month to explore how stress affects your physical and mental well-being. Learn mindfulness-based techniques to reduce stress through gentle stretches, deep breathing, and guided visualization. Led by Sheryl Jaffe, Clinical Social Work & Art Therapy Supervisor.
Prologue Part II Puppetry Show
Tuesday, May 14 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: 14Y Theater | 344 E. 14th Street
Prologue Part II by Double Image Theater Lab explores the unique journeys of a group of senior Chinese women from Brooklyn, who share their life stories through object manipulation, shadow play, and music. Created and performed by Spica Wobbe and Margaret Yuen, this captivating show delves into the emotional depths of packing a suitcase for the unknown and the bittersweet sense of leaving home. This is an AAPI Heritage event.
Intergenerational Community Prom
Wednesday, May 15 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Manny Cantor Center, Gymnasium |197 E. Broadway
Dive “Under the Sea” for the MCC Intergenerational Community Prom! Enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, activities, and light refreshments, all with a splash of oceanic theme. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed as your favorite sea creature or character! Advanced registration is not required, but it is encouraged.
Aging Advocacy Day
Thursday, May 16 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: City Hall Park | 250 Broadway (Outdoor Event)
Join us at City Hall to #AdvocateforAgingNYC. At this event, we’ll urge the City to fund its older adult centers, improve case management services, and fully fund the home-delivered meals programs. Bring signs, wear your Educational Alliance t-shirts, and prepare to raise your voice! Transportation is available—sign up at your local center.
Week 4
14Y After Dark: The Bill Wurtzel Trio
Tuesday, May 21 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: 14Y Lobby Gallery | 344 E. 14th Street
This May, 14Y welcomes the Bill Wurtzel Trio, featuring Jay Leonhart and Vito Lesczak, for an evening of live jazz music. Enjoy live music, art, and conversation. Advance registration is encouraged.
Mainstage Showcase
Friday, May 24 | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: 14Y Theater | 344 E. 14th Street
Experience a vibrant lineup of acting, singing, dancing, storytelling, comedy, and music, performed by older New Yorkers and our Ageless Arts intergenerational classes. A reception with live music and light refreshments will follow in the 14Y Lobby. Advanced registration is not required, but it is encouraged.
Mainstage Showcase
Saturday, May 25 | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: 14Y, Theater | 344 E. 14th Street
Experience the same lineup of acting, singing, dancing, storytelling, comedy, and music, again performed by older New Yorkers and Ageless Arts intergenerational classes. A reception with live music and light refreshments will follow in the 14Y Lobby. Advanced registration is not required, but it is encouraged.
Week 5
AAPI Heritage Celebration
Tuesday, May 28 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sirovich Center, Auditorium | 331 E. 12th Street
Enjoy music, dance, and cultural storytelling that honors and celebrates the rich traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Intergenerational Groove Event
Wednesday, May 29 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Foley Square | 101 Worth Street (Outdoor Event)
Advance registration is required.
In partnership with NYC AGING and Groove NYC, this large-scale gathering aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest intergenerational dance event! Expect dancing, activities, and a lively atmosphere as we unite generations for this unique celebration of the 31st Annual National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day and the 400th anniversary of New York City.
Creativity Connects Workshop
Thursday, May 30 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Manny Cantor Center, Rm. 604 | 197 E. Broadway
Celebrate National Creativity Day and enjoy a guided art project with all the materials provided. Connect with others in a supportive atmosphere as we embrace creativity together. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, this experience is designed to boost mental health and well-being through shared artistic exploration. Led by Sheryl Jaffe, Clinical Social Work & Art Therapy Supervisor.
LOCO7 Puppet Show
Friday, May 31 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Location: Sirovich Center, Auditorium | 331 E. 12th Street
Join us for a puppet show where artistic expression and cultural community meet! The show is the culmination of a three-month workshop series led by LOCO7 Dance Puppet Theatre Company, in partnership with Sirovich Center, and featuring puppets created by workshop participants. A talk-back session with the artists will follow the performance.
Theater Desk Hours and Locations:
“TICKET” TUESDAYS | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Sirovich Center, Dining Room | 331 East 12th Street
“THEATER” THURSDAYS | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
MCC Weinberg Center, Lobby | 197 East Broadway