Art comes in many forms. Throughout art history artists have tried to trick the viewer in believing what they see is actually real or optically real. In this series of workshops, we will explore the artists that tried and succeeded. Artists such as MC Escher, Victor Vasarely and the Op-Art artists of the 1960's will be introduced. We will also explore the work of Josef Albers (the Father of color theory) and Trompe l'oeil artists. Lastly, we will also discover how a mirror is used to create interesting mirror images. After each artist or art form is introduced, the participants will create their own work inspired by the masters. This residency will culminate with an art exhibition of the seniors’ work with an “artists talk-back” at the senior center.

Participants will be introduced to works by masters Rembrandt, Picasso, and O'Keefe, who created in their senior years. The teaching artist will lead and guide participants in creating their own versions of masters works through painting and collage. This project will culminate in an exhibition of the participants' work.

Through a series of workshops led by Flushing Town Hall’s teaching artist Steve Palermo, students will discover the many ways artists have interpreted one of the earliest topics of creative expression, the still life. Each week students will explore different artistic styles by Morandi, della Robbia, Lichtenstein, and more; and by using their own artistic voice students will create their masterpiece. The class will culminate in a gallery show of their work.