Isn’t it wonderful to see spring making its way? The flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the weather is warming up, and best of all, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) Senior Citizens Art Show is approaching.

For those not familiar with our art show, this year marks 29 years for this fun and popular event that we have the privilege of hosting and organizing each year.

It’s always a treat to see all of the amazing talent we have right here in our local communities. I encourage you to see for yourself the beautiful art and composition pieces our seniors will have on display. They certainly enjoy sharing their talent for the enjoyment of others and we appreciate their participation in this special event.

Mark your calendars for May 16 through 20 and May 23 through May 27.

During this time, the artwork of many talented individuals age 55 and older who reside in our 10-county district will be on display at the Esther Allen Greer Museum and Gallery on the campus of the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande.

A special tea to honor our artists will be held on Friday, May 27 at the Greer Museum at 1 p.m. Artwork will be on display May 16 through 20 and May 23 through May 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Everyone is invited to attend.

In order to have a wonderful variety, we are looking for artwork or beautiful essays and poetry from those talented individuals in our 10-county district who have a love for art or writing.

Participants must be an Ohio resident and 55 years of age or older. Additional eligibility requirements are included on our website at www.aaa7.org, or by calling our Agency toll-free at 1-800-582-7277.

Artwork will be judged in a number of categories and essay and poetry entries should be no more than 1,000 words in length.

In order to participate in the Art Show or Essay and Poetry Contest, items must be delivered to your local Senior Center by April 18, or to our Administrative Offices in Rio Grande by April 25.

Please log on to our website or call our Agency for more information about rules and eligibility requirements.

We hope to see you at the 2011 AAA7 Senior Citizens Art Exhibit this May.

Pamela K. Matura is the executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7.