This past spring both the Utah Division of Arts & Museums and the New York State Council on the Arts offered creative aging programs via the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging. This initiative was made possible by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). Lifetime Arts provided professional development and implementation support for more than 20 states as part of this project. Here are a few highlights.
Utah Division of Arts & Museums
From May-June, the Repertory Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah held the eight-week program, “Prime Performance: A Moving Atlas of Creative Aging.” The instructor, Meghan Durham Wall, guided participants through writing prompts, movement improvisation, and original choreography which culminated in a public performance at the theatre. Lifetime Arts provided creative aging training to teaching artist and arts organization cohorts in Utah.
New York State Council on the Arts
Person, Place or Thing (Where Do We Belong)?
In May and June, older adults from Selfhelp’s Clearview Senior Center participated in an 8-week program titled, “Person, Place or Thing (Where Do We Belong)?” Teaching artist Steve Palermo guided learners through painting, collage, sculpting, and bookmaking projects to encourage them to explore their creativity and find their place through art. The series was hosted at Flushing Town Hall in Queens, NY.
“I am amazed at the work I did. I never knew I had the talent! The teacher was patient in guiding me through the class when it seemed so challenging for me. I am grateful and thankful to discover — at this age — a talent that I will now pursue.”
Program Participant
Steve involved everyone in planning the culminating event, a public art exhibition. Together, they curated and installed the artwork at Flushing Town Hall where they welcomed friends and family, along with senior center staff and residents.
“Minhwa” Coloring Workshop
Just prior to that in March and April, Flushing Town Hall held the 8-week program, “Korean Folk Art ‘Minhwa’ Coloring Workshop,” taught by Stephanie Lee. During the program, older adults from Selfhelp’s Clearview Senior Center were introduced to “Minhwa,” a traditional Korean painting style that was popular in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and rooted in mediation and reflection.
Learners also received a brief history of Korean folk art and the meanings behind symbols such as the tiger and magpie, peony flower, and Munjado (Ideograph) to create their own paintings. Their culminating event included a public exhibition of the participants’ final work.
Lifetime Arts provided professional development training, technical assistance, and coaching in support of this New York State programming.
