Call Description

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Creative Industries proudly present The Older Artists of PA Showcase, the 2nd annual juried exhibition celebrating Pennsylvania's Artists over 60. 

Older artists bring unique perspectives shaped by life experience, whether they are seasoned creators or discovering their artistic voice later in life. The Older Artists of PA Showcase will display pieces from selected older artists across Pennsylvania in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol during the month of August 2026.  

This year the Older Artists of PA Showcase will proudly feature the creative contributions of older adults living with dementia, recognizing artistic expression can be a powerful tool for connection, identity, and storytelling. We encourage submissions from all eligible artists, especially older adults living with dementia. Participation requirements for this year's event are listed below. 

Categories - Artists may submit work in one of three categories:  

Professional  

Non-Professional 

Artist Over 60 Living with Dementia 

Accepted works include watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, ink, pencil, graphic media and mixed media. Unfortunately, 3D work such as pottery, jewelry or sculpture cannot be accepted. 

You will be notified via email if your piece has been selected no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2026. 

Jury Process  

Pennsylvania Creative Industries will select jurors from across the Commonwealth. Evaluation will be based on submitted photos of each piece. Jurors will consider factors such as creativity, artistic quality, and overall impression. Selections will be based on the combined scores across jurors. The number of selected pieces will be based on piece size and event space. 

Piece Collection 

If your piece is selected, you will be contacted by The Department of Aging. The Department or a local partner will assist you in coordinating transport of your piece to and from the Pennsylvania Capitol Building. You may choose to arrange and cover the cost of your own transportation or shipping of your piece in coordination with The Department. 

Showcase Location and Information 

Selected artists will have their pieces displayed in the East Wing Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol during the month of August 2026.  

Artists whose pieces are selected for display will have the option to list their piece for sale. If a piece sells, the artist will work directly with the buyer to arrange payment and pick up. 

Artists will have their Name, Name of Piece, County, Category, Materials Used, and Cost of Piece (if for sale) displayed.    

Ownership of the piece remains with the artist. The Department of Aging reserves the right to photograph the piece for promotional activities with credit to the artist if printed.   

The Department of Aging will assume no liability for entries damaged or lost during hanging or while displayed in the showcase, as released by signature.   

By completing this application on CaFÉ, artists agree to all above terms/conditions of the exhibit. 

Showcase Reception 

Selected Artists will be invited to attend a reception in Harrisburg to celebrate their creative contributions. Date, Time, and Location To Be Determined.

Application Requirements

There is no entry fee for submission.   

Artists may only submit one piece in one category. 

Artists must upload one photo of their piece for their submission to be considered. Artists may submit only one photo of their piece.   

Each artist must submit a brief artist biography.  

Pieces must have been produced within the past 18 months. 

Only original pieces are to be submitted. No laser prints, prints of any kind, facsimile or mechanical reproductions will be accepted.  

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Older Artists of PA Showcase artists must be over age 60 and be a Pennsylvania resident.  

To comply with historic preservation requirements, all pieces must have wire hangers – no tab or cleat hangers. Pieces will not be accepted if they do not have the proper hangers on the back.    

No work greater than 48 inches in any direction and weighing more than 10 lbs. will be accepted due to space and venue restrictions.   

The Department of Aging reserves the right to reject any pieces due to content.    

Should you have questions, please email the PA Dept of Aging:  ADRDoffice@pa.gov using Art Show in the subject line.