SU-CASA grants are generously funded by the New York City Council in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs providing intensive arts residencies led by Lehman College Art Gallery teaching artists in Senior Centers in NYC. Teaching artists encourage participants to take risks and many have remarked they are surprised by how much they had learned, the positive impact it had on them, and that they look forward to more opportunities for authentic art-making.  The culminating exhibitions provide an opportunity for seniors to share their experiences and showcase their artwork. They build self-esteem, confidence and allow seniors to joyfully celebrate their learning, proficiency, and achievements in visual arts.

Bronx Works East Concourse 

Lehman College Art Gallery is grateful to New York City Council member Oswald Feliz for this designation. The program engaged older adults in creative expression through a series of structured visual art workshops that emphasized both artistic exploration and social connection. Participants explored a range of media and techniques, including watercolor, oil resist, stenciling, collage, Styrofoam printmaking, and acrylic painting on paper, canvas, and air-dry clay.  Each session featured visual references, live demonstrations, and individualized instruction tailored to meet the unique needs and learning styles of older adult participants. The supportive, process-oriented environment fostered creativity, confidence, and community among participants.  

PSS City Island / Teaching Artist

Lehman College Art Gallery is grateful to New York City Council member Kristy Marmorata for this designation. Participants engaged in a wide variety of projects, including abstract and still-life collages, jewelry boxes, tote bags, purses, door signs, birdhouses, and landscape paintings. These works were created using materials such as paper, acrylic paint, and paint markers. Participants shared personal, uplifting stories—often about their youth or grandchildren—and some signed their completed artworks as heartfelt gifts for loved ones.  

Bronx House Weinberg Neighborhood Center 

Lehman College Art Gallery is grateful to New York City Council member Kristy Marmorata for this designation. The program launched with a mixed-media workshop that began with the personalization of tote bags and aprons—an activity that participants found highly enjoyable and engaging. Using nature-inspired and uplifting word stencils, participants explored their creativity while learning foundational art techniques in a supportive environment.  Following a scaffolded, progressive structure, participants were introduced to new materials, tools, and methods to build artistic skills over time. They experimented with geometric and abstract backgrounds using masking tape, layered painting techniques, and a variety of media. Projects included vibrant relief paintings, decorative candle holders, and other imaginative pieces—each reflecting personal growth, exploration, and creativity.  

JASA Einstein / Teaching Artist

Lehman College Art Gallery is grateful to New York City Council member Kevin Riley for this designation. Participants explored a wide range of creative activities, including watercolor landscapes, abstract paintings, still life collages, and personalized items such as tote bags, purses, memory jars, T-shirts, and mugs.  An array of materials was used, including paper, beads, shells, vintage coins, fabric, colored sand, flour, salt, acrylics, paint markers, watercolor pencils, and heat transfer sheets. As they worked, participants naturally shared personal memories—stories of their youth, travel experiences, favorite family recipes, and visits to museums. These exchanges fostered a meaningful space for both artistic and emotional expression.