A 2-day Exhibition of Chinese Calligraphy and
Painting was held in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in August
2001, in order to appreciate and acknowledge the artistic capacity
of students from the Open Institute for Senior Citizens. It
also provided an opportunity for the public to affirm the ability
of elders.
Among the 33 elders who participated in the exhibition,
the oldest one was at the age of 77. All of them had practiced
calligraphy and painting ranging from 6 months to seven years.
The exhibition attracted around 2,800 attendants among whom
were some foreigners who had given impressive comments such
as " fine works of art", "well done", "very
good exhibition". The elders explained the meaning of their
art works in simple Putonghua and English that they had learnt
from the Institute.
This is indeed an evidence to project a "productive
age image" in elders. The endurance and patience that they
employ in continual learning are most venerable.
