The Art of Aging

By Deborah Moon Seldner

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Portlanders whose commitment to the elderly extends beyond this lifetime were treated to a sneak preview of the Oregon Jewish Museum's new exhibit "The Art of Aging."
Members of Cedar Sinai Park's Fifth Commandment Society, which includes 126 people who have included CSP in their estate plans, were invited to an April 30 pre-opening reception of the traveling exhibit on display at the OJM through Sept. 3. OJM and CSP are co-sponsoring the exhibit organized by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum.
To enable CSP residents who are unable to travel to the museum to enjoy the exhibit, OJM Director Judy Margles said the museum decided to display some of the art at CSP's Robison Jewish Health Center and Rose Schnitzer Manor for the residents' enjoyment.
OJM invited four local artists to participate in the Portland leg of the traveling exhibit. Becca Bernstein, Rhoda London, David Kohnstamm and Shirley Gittelsohn have contributed pieces for the exhibit.
"This is one of the most fantastic exhibits we've had," said OJM president Julie Gottlieb, who also owns the Gottlieb Gallery. "It has some of the finest artists of national stature and we've included several local artists whose work holds up with these fabulous pieces."

The exhibit includes painting, sculpture, photography, installation, fiber, mixed media and video to explore diverse aspects of aging. From renowned artist Archie Rand's painting of an elderly Sarah, the Jewish matriarch, looking back over her life to a series of photographs in various stages of focus to represent confusion and the loss of vision, the exhibit presents views of physical and mental change, memory, wisdom, loss and other aspects of the aging process.
Paul Frisch, who co-chairs CSP's endowment committee with Bev Eastern, said he felt the exhibit was a highly appropriate gathering place for members of the Fifth Commandment Society, who have made a commitment to the elderly.
Toinette and Vic Menashe are honorary co-chairs of The Fifth Commandment Society.
For information on becoming a member of the society, call CSP Director of Development Debbi Bodie at 503-535-4303.
For more information on "The Art of Aging," call the OJM at 503-226-3600.