NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts will hold an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 for its latest exhibit, Still Creating II: The Artistry of Long-Term Care Residents – which will run through Oct. 14.

The popular exhibit, held previously in 2008, is an opportunity for residents of long-term care facilities to showcase their artistic talents and creativity in a wide variety of mediums, according to CCCA Operations and Program Director Joyce Zummo.

“It’s hard to put into words, yet the way people receive this artwork is really inspiring and heartwarming,” said Zummo. “It emphasizes the value we put on our seniors and they’re a resource that our children and grandchildren need to experience, they tell the best stories.”

Approximately 20 long-term care residents of the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Chenango Valley Home, NYS Vets’ Home at Oxford, Chase Memorial Nursing Home, Pearl and Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility and Preston Manor are expected to contribute this year, added Zummo.

Chenango County Area Agency on Aging Director Deb Sanderson, also a member of the Chenango County Senior Citizens Council, said the primary goal of the program is to “enhance the quality of life” for area seniors.

“The council sees this as a way to highlight the creativity and artwork of the residents of our local nursing homes and adult homes throughout the county,” stated Sanderson. “Creativity is ageless and it’s important for people of all ages to continue that creativity. I think the senior population, and the value they bring to our community, are often overlooked.”

Sanderson said the 2008 Still Creating opening reception in particular was a “very emotional experience for both the artists and viewers,” and local pianist Marv Mackoff will once again be on hand to provide entertainment for this year’s event.

“This show is a great way to demonstrate just how much our area seniors still have to contribute to our quality of life and it’s surprising how many of them begin these activities later in life, it’s never too late, that’s one of the lessons I’ve learned from this,” added Sanderson. “They create these beautiful works of art and there’s such a variety.”

The Still Creating II exhibit is sponsored by the Chenango County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. with additional support from Golden Artist Colors and Wells Fargo Advisors, Inc. For more information contact the Chenango County Council of the Arts, 27 W. Main St., at 336-2787 or visit www.chenangoarts.org.