Last weekend, DC celebrated the creativity of its residents through Art All Night exhibits throughout the city.  The talent of several NNV members was on display at Iona Senior Services. We caught up with Barbara Kraft, Andrea Selvaggio, and Karen Zuckerstein to learn about their work.

Barbara Kraft has been creating art her entire life and is a regular student of Joey Mánlapaz’s watercolor class offered through NNV. Barbara uses fabric, paper, canvas, cardboard and a variety of media to capture the natural world in her art. Barbara’s work is inspired by the textures, colors and movement of the natural world, as well as the geography and architectural elements of the urban landscape. “Making art encourages me to see and respond to my environment”, says Barbara.

Andrea Selvaggio couldn’t agree more. Andrea shares, “For me, drawing and painting is a form of meditation. It enhances my ability to really see the world around me.” Creativity runs in Andrea’s family.  Her great-grandfather was a tailor and her uncle was a New York City fireman with a sculpture studio in the basement of the firehouse.  Andrea received a BS in art education and after teaching junior high school for a few years, decided to use her creativity in a different way - she applied to law school. Andrea found herself studying law with other creative types - a former ballerina, a professional baseball player, a saxophonist, and many former school teachers.  Now in retirement, Andrea is a regular at Joey’s watercolor class.

Karen Zuckerstein is another NNV member that you can find at Joey’s class. Karen began painting a couple of years ago, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.  Karen did not have a background in art but that didn’t stop her.  She had passed by the watercolor class a few times and thought it looked fun.  Karen shares, “Perhaps it’s so engaging because it is so different from my natural ‘work’ skills of analysis and writing.” She adds, “Of course, it helps to have such a patient instructor in Joey Manlapaz!”  Karen was especially appreciative that NNV’s watercolor group continued to meet during much of the pandemic, gathering outdoors in Rock Creek Park or in someone’s yard. Karen says, “It definitely helped keep us all sane.”

All three women enjoy sharing their art with others and were delighted to have their work on display at this year’s Art All Night event. If you missed the exhibit, it’s not too late! The exhibit will be on display until January and people are welcome to visit Iona located at 4125 Albemarle Street, NW from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.