The Mastick Senior Center in Alameda, California, is hosting its 24th annual art exhibition, featuring 159 artworks from 88 artists, all members of the center. The show opened in June and runs through August 15, marking the largest edition yet, with expanded participation from members who create art independently. Curated by Alison Limoges and Diane Alabaster, the exhibition includes diverse mediums such as ceramics, mosaics, stained glass, knitting, jewelry, quilts, and for the first time, Chinese ink paintings. The center, which serves adults aged 50 and older, has transformed multiple rooms—including the dining room, game room, media room, and lobby—to accommodate the record number of pieces.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the growing creative engagement among older adults and the importance of community-based art programs. By opening the show to all members—not just those in formal art classes—the center has fostered broader participation and self-expression. The inclusion of Chinese ink paintings reflects the center's responsiveness to its diverse membership and evolving interests. Such local initiatives demonstrate how senior centers can serve as vital cultural hubs, promoting lifelong learning, social connection, and the visibility of amateur and emerging older artists within their communities.