By Holly Aloha Jaynes and Sandra Winter
The Dames: Honoring The Good Women of Farrell Court, Powder House Court and Roads School is a photography exhibit at the Virginia Carten Gallery at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead. Mixed media artist, Holly Aloha Jaynes photographed sixteen women ages 70-99, who volunteered to be in this exhibit. These woman are brave to show their images and words confronting issues of aging. These are black and white images of dignity, beauty and soul revealing the hearts of these women. The community is invited to meet our guests of honor, the Dames, at the opening reception, Saturday, August 4, from 1-3 PM. Senior citizens are the largest population today, and we need to continue confronting issues of aging and ageism to help reverse the stereotypes for the potential of social change, a critical issue of our time. It’s my hope that these images will dispel the ageist attitudes that continue to dominate our society. Sandra Winter interviewed the Dames and text of each woman accompanies her picture. We are gifted by these courageous women who have found their personal paths and the encouragement to share their thoughts and insights through their images and words.
In addition Jaynes and Winter just completed a book, The Dames: Honoring The Good Women of Farrell Court, Powder House Court and Roads School, Marblehead MA 01945, to be given to each Dame and their families at the opening reception. The book will also be distributed at libraries, councils on aging and elder services in the area.
The intergenerational experience of this project are the six students from the Marblehead Community Charter Public School who worked with five of the Dames during their spring enrichment program. Enjoy the Dames of Farrell Court scrapbook, a timeline of a 94 year old and view a video made by the students, who will also be present. We honor the Dames. These women have shown us that old is an accumulation of experience that one does not deny in body or mind.
Holly Aloha Jaynes is a member of Salem Arts Association and maintains Muse Art Studio in Salem. She is a member of Marblehead Arts Association as well. Sandra Winter is an artist and award winning writer.
Farrell Court Dames Dora Karachakova, Mary Spelta seated and Betty Ann Downs and Carol Crook, standing
