2010-11 Westchester Libraries Project

Thanks again to the Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation, Lifetime Arts' partnership with Westchester Library System supported creative aging projects in 10 Westchester Libraries. From Yorktown to Mount Vernon 14 teaching artists led instructional workshops for over 150 older adults a variety of art forms. Through sequential, hands-on learning, participants created art in all disciplines including drawing, painting, memoir writing, singing and even Rumba dancing!

Bedford Free Library
The Art of Drawing

The fundamentals of drawing using pencil, charcoal and pen and ink were taught during this 10 week series. The drawing skills of beginning and intermediate artists were developed with an emphasis on the historic architecture in the village of Bedford.
Ann Cloonan, Director
Mark Cassata, Teaching Artist

Eastchester Public Library
Sing Your Heart Out

Both novice and experienced singers learned singing techniques and skills to help them sing with passion and energy. Duets, solos and group opportunities provided a collegial and inspiring experience for all participants.
Tracy Wright, Director
Eric Jennings, Teaching Artist

Field Library, Peekskill
Paul Klee Inspired Collaborative Mural

Bringing older adults together with experienced, mature local artists, this workshop engaged participants in creating a large public mural inspired by the artist, Paul Klee.
Sibyl Canaan, Director
Sone Tower & Larry D'Amico, Teaching Artists

Mount Vernon Library
Creative Cabaret Project: One Dance at a Time

Working and learning together, Mt. Vernon's seniors scripted, staged and performed a musical based on their collective interests and passions. With instruction in a variety of art forms, including dancing, acting, and singing everyone played a part.
Opal Brown Lindsay, Director
Leona Heyward Hull, Teaching Artist

Pelham Public Library
Reflections: Inside/Outside the Box

Working with a writer and a visual artist in this collaboratively designed workshop, participants used memory as a primary source to create original work – both in literary form (either prose or poetry) and in paper sculpture.
Patricia Perito, Director
Bill Wertheim, Writing Teaching Artist
Susan Kaufman, Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, North Salem
Altered Books – Visual Memories

Co-sponsored with the North Salem Senior Citizens, this workshop series enabled participants to create personalized visual memoirs using altered books –recycled, discarded books that are reworked using a variety of visual art techniques and materials.
Maggie Carolyn Reznick, Director
Zander, Teaching Artist

John C. Hart Memorial Library, Shrub Oak
Memoir Monologues: from Page to Stage

Guided through a progression of memoir writing and theatre techniques, participants crafted personal remembrances that culminated in a staged reading with words, music, and personal objects as backdrop for performance.
Patricia Barresi, Director
Mary Crescenzo & Richard Manichello, Teaching Artists

Somers Public Library
Hip, Smooth & Swing

Twice a week for 8 weeks, two groups of older adults will danced their way into spring! Instruction in both the rumba and the lindy kept participants nimble and ready for a culminating performance.
Pat Miller, Director
Frank Elia, Teaching Artist

Warner Library, Tarrytown
A Performance of a Lifetime

This 8 week workshop used a combination of interactive exercises, partnered learning, instructor handouts and supportive, constructive group feedback to explore the art and skill of writing scripts for the stage. The series culminated in a staged reading that showcased the scenes and monologues created by the participants.
Maureen Petry, Director
Staci Swedeen, Teaching Artist

Riverfront Library, Yonkers Public Library
The Hudson River Cityscape at Yonkers:
Portraits of a City Revitalization

A 9 week acrylic painting class took advantage of the library's unique location on the Hudson River waterfront in Yonkers. Cityscape and riverfront provided inspiration as participants explored the qualities and versatility of acrylic paint.
Stephen Force, Director
Susan Thaler, Branch Administrator
Jamie Ross, Teaching Artist