Artful Connections on Display: Ellen Silberlicht Exhibit Highlights Growing Arts Program at Cornwall Manor

Cornwall Manor Retirement Community invites the public to experience the imaginative and textural work of mixed-media artist Ellen Silberlicht at a new exhibit in the historic Paymaster’s Building (directly across the street from the Cornwall Iron Furnace). The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, May 22, 2026, from Noon to 5 PM, and will remain open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 21, 2026, from 1–3 PM. Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Cornwall Manor’s Benevolent Care program.

Silberlicht’s exhibit features a distinctive blend of Raku-fired ceramics and wet-felted wool fibers, enhanced with glass beads, precious metal clay and other materials. Her one-of-a-kind creations reflect a deep exploration of texture, color and form, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and richly tactile.

A graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and ceramic sculpture, Silberlicht also holds a master’s degree in art education from Marywood University. She has studied at renowned craft schools across the country and has earned national recognition and multiple awards for her work. Throughout her career, she has maintained a strong commitment to both artistic exploration and education.

In addition to her exhibit, Silberlicht shares her expertise with the community through Cornwall Manor’s Artful Connections program, where she teaches wet felting classes. Her involvement reflects Cornwall Manor’s broader commitment to expanding opportunities for creative engagement for residents.

Artful Connections, now in its fifth season, is Cornwall Manor’s innovative arts-for-wellness initiative designed to support healthy longevity through meaningful, research-supported creative experiences. The program offers a wide range of classes led by professional artists, encouraging residents to explore new skills, express themselves and build social connections. Research continues to show that engagement in the arts plays a vital role in enhancing physical, cognitive and emotional well-being for older adults, making programs like Artful Connections increasingly important.

With longer, healthier lives, older adults are seeking enriching opportunities that support lifelong learning and wellness. Programs like Artful Connections—and exhibits such as Ellen’s—demonstrate how the arts can bring joy, purpose and connection to the Cornwall Manor community.

The exhibit is housed in the Paymaster’s Building, a beautifully restored historic structure dating back to 1864. Originally serving as the pay office for the Coleman estate, the American Gothic-style building now functions as a unique cultural space at Cornwall Manor. Following recent resident-led exhibits and art workshops, the building has become a growing hub for artistic expression and community engagement.

Silberlicht’s exhibit continues this momentum, highlighting both professional artistry and Cornwall Manor’s evolving arts programming. Additional exhibits and hands-on workshops are planned as part of the community’s commitment to enriching the resident experience through creativity.

For more information about Artful Connections, visit: Current Season | Cornwall Manor