Town Hall Photo Series Explores Arlington's Seniors

ARLINGTON, MA – A 107-year-0ld who still lives in her home and routinely gets "the works" done at her hair salon; a 90-year-old who attends weekly fitness classes at the Arlington Council on Aging; seniors who can split a table tennis ball with the force of their strike – these are the Arlington residents photographer Paul Marotta explores in his new photo series Arlington: A Senior Portrait.

The exhibit comprises more than 100 images on nine panels and debuts at Arlington Town Hall Oct. 22. It's the culmination of nine months of shooting at the Arlington Council on Aging Senior Center, senior housing complexes, Old Schwamb Mill, private homes and a hair salon. The panels – each between eight and 10 feet long – are designed to tell individual stories and immerse the viewer in the lives of Arlington's senior citizens.

"The Town of Arlington has deeply embraced this project from the start," Marotta said. "I am delighted the Arlington Cultural Council has chosen to support and become a partner in this project, as has the Arlington Council on Aging, which provided access, leads to seniors’ stories, and professional and technical guidance throughout the course of shooting. And I can barely begin to recount the number of amazing seniors who brought me into their lives to reveal even a small portion of the history and issues here in Arlington."

The project is supported in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Council. An opening reception will be held Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall.

Photo submitted by Paul Marotta