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The longevity and late-life achievements of artist, author, and
children's book illustrator Esphyr Slobodkina offer inspiration to
senior citizens wishing to maintain an active lifestyle.
Some of Slobodkina's greatest achievements occurred during her
senior years. Between the ages of 60-78, she wrote and edited an
1100-page autobiography. At 80, she moved from Florida to
Connecticut to oversee the construction of a children's reading room
at the University of Hartford and to write a Caps for Sale
play. Moving to Great Neck, New York at 85, Slobodkina focused on
philanthropy, donating artworks and providing funding to the
Hillwood Museum and the Heckscher Museum of Art. At age 90,
Slobodkina moved to Glen Head, New York, where she purchased and
renovated a home and established the Slobodkina Foundation. All the
while Slobodkina created art and exhibited extensively.
We hope that Esphyr Slobodkina's energy and spirit will encourage
others to make the most of their senior years. Using her example,
our Senior Programs build awareness about the creative potential of
senior life.
SENIOR
TOURS AT THE SLOBODKINA HOUSE AND MUSEUM
The Slobodkina House in Glen Head, New York was the last home of the late Esphyr Slobodkina,
who lived as a Long Island resident for nearly half a century. The
house contains Slobodkina’s original furniture (much of it
constructed by the artist) and
over 500 paintings and sculptures
when they are not on exhibition elsewhere.
The
tour begins with a walk through the upper gallery,
where artworks from the 1920s through the 1960s are on view. Guests
learn about Slobodkina's fascinating life, including her escape from
the Russian Revolution, immigration to the United States, survival
of the Great Depression, and rise from obscurity to international
recognition.
The tour continues on the lower level, which houses art from the
1960s through the 2000s, original clothing designs, antique
dishware, handcrafted dolls, jewelry, and turn-of-the-century
artifacts from Slobodkina's travels through Russia and China.
Throughout the tour, emphasis is placed on Slobodkina's activities
during her 80s and 90s as guest hear how Slobodkina overcame various
physical ailments to maintain an active and productive lifestyle.
The tour is designed to engage and stimulate, both emotionally and
intellectually, and to inspire seniors to live life fully and
unfettered by the stigma of age.
GRANDPARENT/GRANDCHILD DAY
Esphyr Slobodkina's classic storybook, Caps for Sale, is
familiar to both grandparents and their grandchildren. In print
since 1940, this delightful tale has enchanted for decades and
serves to bridge generations.
Grandparent/Grandchild Day offers an opportunity for grandparents
and their grandchildren to enjoy quality time together and share
their memories and experiences of Caps for Sale. The day
begins with a tour of the Slobodkina House and Museum where guests
learn about Slobodkina's career as a children's book author and
illustrator and view original illustrations from Caps for Sale
and other books.
Following the tour, an interactive musical performance of Caps
for Sale and Circus Caps for Sale takes place. Children
listen, learn, and work together in a group environment and have the
chance to actively participate in the performance as they play-act
various roles. Each child receives a free coloring page.
Following the performance, refreshments are served.
Booking a Program
Programs
are by reservation only. Although we prefer 3 weeks notice, we
can accommodate last minute reservations if time is available. Each
program
lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. There is
no fee;
however, donations are welcome.
Please contact us to book a tour, or for additional information:
Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer
(516) 674-0776
Annmarie@slobodkina.org
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