Free exhibition on view Jan. 26–May 6 at Marin Civic Center
Emerging and established artists worked together on “What About Age?,” a free exhibition exploring ageism through visual storytelling.
San Rafael, Calif. — (Jan. 14, 2026) — With one third of Marin County residents projected to be 60 or older by 2030, the Marin Cultural Association, in collaboration with Youth in Arts, presents “What About Age?,” a new exhibition on view at the Marin County Civic Center gallery January 26 through May 6. Through the lens of art, the free exhibit challenges stereotypes about aging and promotes intergenerational conversations.
The exhibition features graphic art panels by New York–based writer and illustrator Aubrey Hirsch. Originally curated by Dr. Stacey Gordon, Associate Executive Director of Older Adult Services at Queens Community House and Senior Fellow of Health and Aging Innovation at NYU Silver School of Social Work, the panels were first displayed at NYU’s Kimmel Windows with support from the NYU Office of the Provost.
In November 2024, San Rafael City Council Member Rachel Kertz encountered the exhibition in New York and recognized an opportunity to bring not only the exhibit to Marin but also to foster community dialogue and provide resources on the topic of aging.
Expanding on the original exhibit, Youth in Arts engaged participants from its Intensive Arts Mentorship (I AM) program, a paid visual arts mentorship for teens from Marin’s underserved communities, pairing youth artists (ages 13-19) with older adult artists (ages 65 and over) to explore themes of ageism through visual storytelling. Under the guidance of Youth in Arts teaching artists, these emerging and established creators worked side by side to produce more than 35 collaborative and interactive pieces reflecting the exhibit’s core message: Art is ageless.
“‘What About Age?’ has been a rich opportunity to explore the many facets of aging – and to celebrate the wisdom that comes with aging,” said Cathy Bowman, Youth in Arts Mentor Artist and Arts Unite Us Coordinator. “It’s been inspiring to watch teams of younger and older artists collaborate on paper, canvas and through sculpture to reflect on what it means to get older because it’s going to happen to all of us.”
An opening reception will be held Thursday, January 29, from 5 to 7 PM, with Dr. Stacey Gordon in attendance.
Works will be displayed on the Civic Center’s first and third floors, which are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Accessible parking is available at the Civic Center lot off Peter Behr Drive.
Beyond the exhibit, the “What About Age?” initiative offers community education opportunities addressing ageism, including expert-led workshops on supporting older adults, educational sessions on recognizing and reducing ageism, guided tours designed to spark meaningful conversations, and cultural storytelling that builds bridges between generations.
The full educational programming list can be found on the Vivalon website.
About the Marin Cultural Association
Formed in 2015, the Marin Cultural Association (MCA) supports art and culture in Marin County, including enhancing the programs and facilities at the Marin Center and the Marin County Fair. As a nonprofit partner to the Marin County Department of Cultural Services, MCA advocates for and catalyzes increased participation, collaboration and resources for cultural programming for the benefit of all Marin residents. Learn more at marincultural.org.
About Youth in Arts
Youth in Arts (YIA) is dedicated to providing high-quality arts education to students of all backgrounds and abilities. For nearly 55 years, YIA has fostered creativity, confidence, and resilience through visual and performing arts programs throughout Marin County. We focus on whole-person development, empowering students by nurturing their identity, voice, and imagination through creative self-expression. YIA believes that access to the arts is a fundamental right for all students, and we advocate at the local and state level to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to engage in meaningful, artistic experiences in and out of the classroom.
Media, please note: hi-res images and interviews with artists and exhibition organizers are available upon request. Please contact Andie Davis at andie.davis@marincounty.gov or 415-473-6398.
***
*CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE*
EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION
WHAT: “What About Age?” Art Exhibit Opening Reception
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Marin County Civic Center, 1st and 3rd Floor Galleries
3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
EXHIBIT RUNS: January 26 – May 6, 2026
###