Celebrating 60+ Faces: Art That Shines a Light on Aging Gracefully

Debra Tracey, an artist from the Isle of Man, has launched a unique project to celebrate people over the age of 60 and encourage everyone not to fear growing older. With her signature round reading glasses and bright smile, Debra wanted to highlight the many ways older individuals contribute to society. Her project, called '60 over 60 Faces of Mann,' is an exhibition featuring 60 portraits of people aged 60 and above. The exhibition took eight months to complete and involved 25 artists and 30 children, making it a true community effort. The display is currently open to the public in Laxey, showcasing a diverse group of Manx residents, including artists, musicians, farmers, and charity workers.

Debra explained that she feels older people often become less visible in society, and she wanted to change that perception. She said, 'There is so much that older people can contribute to society and it was really wanting to highlight that. ' The exhibition includes a variety of art forms, such as paintings, drawings, glasswork, and ceramics. One portrait features John Harper, a ceramicist, sitting in an orange chair in front of a bookcase filled with books and cow ornaments. Another painting is of Sophia Goulden, the mother of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, depicted with short brown hair and standing before the Tower of Refuge against a blue background.

The project was inter-generational, with some of the older subjects visiting schools to meet the children who were creating their portraits. Debra, who has experience working as an adult education lecturer with vulnerable groups, believes that this interaction helped foster mutual respect between the older and younger generations. She said, 'I have always worked with older people, even when I was younger I wanted to work in a care home. I just find them really interesting. ' The exhibition also honors those who have passed away, such as Captain John Kewley, who rescued people from the Snaefell Mine after a fire in 1897. Other notable figures featured include Bill Dale, founder of Beach Buddies, and illustrator Julia Ashby Smyth. The '60 over 60 Faces of Mann' exhibition will be on display at the Hodgson Loom Gallery in Laxey until the end of January.

Debra hopes her project will inspire people to appreciate the wisdom and experience that come with age. She wants society to see wrinkles as a privilege, a sign of a life well lived, rather than something negative. Through this exhibition, Debra aims to celebrate the older generation and remind everyone of the important role they play in making the Isle of Man a vibrant and caring community.