Ode to Art and Goodness

Ode to Art and Goodness
There is an amazing organization — JASA, where they really help people, creating an atmosphere of care, support and inspiration. I want to tell you about one of its wonderful projects — drawing lessons, which are taught by the talented artist Tatyana Zeltser, whom I met many years ago when I came to write an article about a drawing class at the Jewish center JASA in Brighton (160 Corbin Place).
In this class, older people who had retired due to age or illness, who had never held a brush in their hands before, discovered the magical world of art. I saw how, under Tatyana’s guidance, they enthusiastically created their first paintings. This article inspired many people to try their hand at painting. It was then that I realized how healing and inspiring art therapy can be.
Tatyana Zeltser is a person for whom art has become not just a profession, but the meaning of life. Having graduated from the Moscow Pedagogical Institute with a degree in fine arts, she has been teaching drawing to adults since 1980. And since 2008, she has been sharing her knowledge and love for creativity at JASA.
Tatyana Zeltser is sure: "Drawing lessons give the joy of learning, the joy of creativity, the joy of self-expression. They invite you into the world of art, give the joy of communication, the joy of getting to know something new and interesting. Art shows that there is a special world - the world between man and God. People feel it. You need to look at art correctly and understand its connection with the Almighty, who communicates with us through symbols. Art programs help not only to reveal creative potential, but also to fight social isolation. The results of art therapy are impressive. Art teaches you to see the world through symbols, reveals it to the viewer, helps a person to distract himself from problems and realize that there is a bright, grateful world - and this world is beautiful."
I recently visited a unique art exhibit in Manhattan that I learned about through an auction catalog posted on Google. The exhibit was at the JASA Center, which featured work by seniors attending painting programs throughout New York City.
Several of the paintings were sold before the exhibition opened, which speaks to the high level and deep emotional value of these works. Such auctions are held annually at JASA. Meganne Cherzan is the auction organizer, who works with Anna Bella to plan and present the works.
Some talented people submit their work to a charity auction each year and donate the proceeds to JASA.
But most importantly, everyone is united by one goal - to support JASA and
40,000 seniors that the organization helps each year. JASA is a wonderful Jewish organization in New York that does more than just organize art classes. They have kosher food, yoga and fitness classes, organize excursions, create a warm, friendly atmosphere for seniors and people with disabilities.
And the money raised from the sale of the paintings goes to good causes – to support JASA’s vital programs.
Americans, art lovers and just good people came to the charity evening. Many of the paintings were sold out in the first minutes, there was a queue for the paintings! I felt proud and happy for my artist friends, for JASA, for Great America - a country where every person is valuable, where you can find support, where caring for your neighbors is not just empty words.
Thank you to those who make this world a better place. I would like to express my deep gratitude to Anna Bella, the director of the JASA art program, whom I met on the day of the exhibition. Her tact, culture and ability to work with people are truly admirable. And also thank you to JASA employees Valentina Savinkina, Anatoly Kardukov and all good people.
I would like to thank the media holding "R.Reklama", which supports many useful initiatives and important events.
Marina Lagunova