The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services invites active adults age 60 and above to participate in a free “Art of the Masters” program, which will focus on the life and works of artist Vincent van Gogh.  The program will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, at 10:45 a.m. at the Raritan Senior Center, located at 614 First Ave., Raritan N.J. 08869. To register for the program, contact the Raritan Senior Center at (908) 203-0001.
Vincent VanGogh (March 30, 1853-July 29, 1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose work, notable for its rough beauty, emotional honesty and bold color, had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art.  Between November of 1881 and July 1890, Vincent van Gogh painted almost 900 paintings.  The painting featured is titled “The Large Plane Trees” and was painted in 1889.

During the hands-on session, 16 participants will have an opportunity to choose a van Gogh image and then create their own holiday postcards using paint markers.

The Art of the Masters’ program is presented by Creative Notions of Rockaway. Creative Notions is a team of professional and passionate artists who are excited to introduce the world of art to senior citizens. Through the arts, they strive to open minds, lift spirits and create an environment of “no age.”  Through inspiration, motivation and achievement, they improve the quality of life for all their students.

This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program.

The Raritan Senior Center offers hot and cold lunches, with meat and meatless menu options for each. To make a lunch reservation, contact the Center by 10 a.m., at least one business day in advance.  A suggested lunch donation of $1.50 is recommended for individuals age 60 and above.  The cost of lunch for those under age 60 is $5.35.

Visitors are invited to learn more about the educational, recreational and entertaining activities, including wellness programs and health screenings that are offered at the centers, which are operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services.  Many center programs are funded through the Older Americans Act.

For more information, contact Health Promotion Specialist Caitlin Witucki, Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, at (908) 704-6346.