Exploring New Horizons at Area 59: A Wyomingite's Journey with Creative Aging through Woodworking

By Dixie Means, as told to Krisene Watson, Extension and Outreach Manager at Campbell County Public Library

Hello! I’m Dixie, and I’d love to share my experience in the Creative Aging Woodworking class for adults 55+ at Gillette College’s Area 59, a fantastic maker-space in my home state of Wyoming.

I stumbled upon this class while attending another workshop at Area 59 and immediately called the Campbell County Public Library to sign up. Thanks to the Wyoming Arts Council and Lifetime Arts, and support from local libraries, this wonderful program is accessible to older adults like us! I’ll admit—I was a bit anxious about using the computer. My tech skills hadn’t exactly kept pace with the rapid changes over the years, and I wasn’t sure I’d manage. But after speaking with one of the teaching artists, I felt reassured. He assured me I’d be just fine.

Our first class started with a warm welcome from Krisene Watson, Campbell County Public Library’s Outreach Manager, who introduced a unique icebreaker. We were encouraged to sit with different classmates each session, sharing get-to-know-you questions that helped us connect as a group of seniors eager to learn.

We began with a tour and safety training on the woodworking machines, with a strong focus on safety. Choosing our materials was a thrill—we picked out beautiful pieces of cherry, maple, and walnut. The most intimidating, yet exciting, part was using the big tools like radial arm saws, table saws, planers, sanders, and routers. The staff was incredibly helpful and patient, guiding us through the steps of measuring, cutting, and using each machine safely.

At first, I felt nervous, but working closely with the teaching artists helped me gain confidence. Over six sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, we glued wood pieces, sanded them, and even used a laser cutter to etch names, favorite recipes, or designs onto our cutting boards. It was amazing to see our creations take shape!

Navigating a high-tech world as an older adult can feel daunting, especially with programs like Adobe Illustrator in the mix. But the kindness and encouragement from the teaching artists made it a truly confidence-boosting experience. I ended up creating a beautiful project that I’m really proud of!

At our culmination event, family and friends joined us to celebrate our hard work! A fellow class member surprised us with some fabulous, blinged-out safety glasses, adding a fun touch to the day. Standing together and sharing our achievements was heartwarming—we had accomplished something both challenging and deeply satisfying.

Every older adult should have the opportunity to pursue adventures like this. A big thank you to the instructors at Area 59 and the Campbell County Library for making it all possible. If you’re considering a new adventure, take the leap—you might just surprise yourself!

Hear more from Dixie in this video, produced by Wyoming Arts Council.

About the Program:

The Creative Aging Plasma Metal Art program, offered by Campbell County Public Library in partnership with Gillette College’s makerspace, Area 59, brought together a group of older adults for a four-week artistic journey. This unique course provided ten community members aged 60 and up with hands-on instruction in Adobe Illustrator, CNC plasma cutting, and metalworking techniques. With guidance from a team of skilled instructors, participants gained new skills in digital design and machinery, bringing their metal art visions to life.

Beyond technical skills, the program fostered friendships and a sense of community, with students sharing ideas, stories, and encouragement throughout the creative process. A post-program survey showed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants expressing increased confidence, an eagerness to continue learning, and gratitude for the program’s supportive environment. Many students noted how this experience expanded their comfort with digital tools and artistic expression.

The success of this Creative Aging initiative highlights the power of lifelong learning, proving that creativity and connection know no age. Inspired by their experience, several participants plan to continue exploring art at Area 59, deepening the program’s impact on both individual lives and the community.

This program was a part of Advancing Creative Aging through State Library Leadership.