[photo credit: Pasadena Senior Center]
The exhibition, titled “Our Stories in Art: Diversity and Symbiosis,” is the work of Los Angeles-based conceptual artist Shanguo (Sam) Jia, who interviewed participating members of the center and asked each to share a meaningful thought from their immigration journey, according to a Pasadena Senior Center press release. Jia then interpreted those conversations as abstract visual works. The show is part of the center’s ongoing celebration of 65 years of service, according to the press release.
The opening reception runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 85 E. Holly St. Attendees can view the paintings, meet Jia, and hear from the members whose experiences inspired the work, according to the center. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition remains on display.
Participating members represent seven countries, the press release states.
Jia himself is an immigrant. He came to the United States in 2022 under a First Preference Employment Based Immigration visa in art and established a studio in Los Angeles, according to his profile on the Saatchi Art platform. He holds an MFA from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, according to his profile on Arte Laguna World, an international art directory. His exhibition record includes shows at the Grand Palais in Paris, Lincoln Center in New York, and the Havana International Biennale, according to the same profile.
The Pasadena Senior Center opened in May 1960 as the first nonprofit senior center in Southern California, according to the center’s website. It is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit that receives no operating funds from city, county, or state government.
“The Pasadena community is aging faster than most other cities of the same population size, so this makes our presence and work all the more vital,” Executive Director Akila Gibbs said in a statement about the center’s role.
The center draws members from across Pasadena, Altadena, and the wider San Gabriel Valley and welcomes more than 10,000 older adults age 50+ each year, according to its website.
The reception is free. Reservations are requested at pasadenaseniorcenter.org under Activities and Events, then Special Events, or by calling (626) 795-4331. Validated parking is available in the five-story structure at Arroyo Parkway and Holly Street.
The 30 paintings represent a specific group of participating members, not the center’s full immigrant membership.
