96-Year-Old Artist Wins First Place at Barron Senior Art Exhibit

Elizabeth Caligueri has done many things over the course of her 96 years of life.  Taking an art class was not one of them, but it turns out she didn't need one anyway: "Nanny" won first prize for her work "Peacock" at the 32nd annual Exhibition of Art from Woodbridge Township Senior Residents at the Barron Arts Center.

"I started doing them after I retired [at age 71]," said Caligueri of her artwork.  "I did mostly religious work, then moved on to my family," she said of her subjects.

"I have blessed hands," she added.

The exhibition featured artwork from dozens of township residents.  "It gives [seniors] an opportunity to show and share their art," said Cynthia Knight, Director of the Arts Center.  "May is Seniors Month, and this is our way of celebrating" the artwork of Woodbridge senior citizens.

"This is my granddaughter and grandson under the Atlantic City pier," said artist Jules Weber of Port Reading, showing off his piece "Summer's End," which won first place in the professional artists category.  "I work with painting knives and oils, no brushes," he explained while discussing how he achieved the style of the painting.

A reception for the artists, friends, and families featured brief speeches by Mayor John McCormac state Senator Joseph Vitale, who discussed the importance of art in the township.  "[The Barron Arts Center] is a cornerstone of the arts in Woodbridge," Vitale said. 

The exhibition, which closed Monday with a reception and awards ceremony, included artwork done in oils, pastels, pencil, watercolor, and more, as well as sculptures, all of which was produced by township citizens age 60 and over.