Librarian Krisene Watson shares an unexpected journey from one of her most initially reluctant creative aging students.
Joey had never considered himself an artist. At sixty-eight, he was more comfortable navigating the intricacies of his work as a railroader than wrestling with paintbrushes or glue. Yet, when his wife, Becky, signed him up for the Creative Aging Fused Glass class at Thunder Basin High School, he felt a mix of annoyance and resignation. “It’s just a waste of time. I don’t do crafting!” he muttered as he started his first day. Little did he know how much the decision to humor his wife and come would change his perspective.
On a brisk Tuesday afternoon, I met Joey as he trudged into the art room, a stark contrast to the familiar sounds of the tv that usually filled his day. The bright space was alive with the clinking of glass and the soft hum of conversations. Roxanne West, the enthusiastic art teacher, greeted him with a warm smile. “Welcome! Today, we’re going to explore the different types of glass and how to cut it.” Her passion for art was infectious, but Joey remained skeptical.
As the class progressed, he learned to handle glass—how to score it, snap it, and, surprisingly, even appreciate its beauty. At first, Joey struggled with the tools, his fingers clumsy and uncertain. But Roxanne’s patient guidance helped him overcome his initial frustrations. Slowly, the glass transformed under his hands.
A major aim of creative aging programs is to create opportunities for social engagement. To support that, I had devised a unique seating arrangement: each participant would visit with someone new each week. This meant that Joey, surrounded by strangers, found himself sitting next to Joan, a former classmate he hadn’t seen in decades. The two exchanged memories of long-forgotten lunch breaks and youthful pranks, laughter bubbling up as they reminisced. Across the table, another pair—two old coworkers—were reigniting their friendship after forty years, sharing stories that spanned their youth.
As the days went by, Joey began to find joy in the class. He marveled at the endless possibilities of glass art: the vibrant colors, the textures, the way light danced through the pieces. He decided to create three distinct artworks, each representing a significant part of his life. The first was a railroad piece, crafted from rich reds, silver, and blacks, a tribute to his thirty years on the tracks. It was a linear design that mirrored the movement of trains, the rush of wind, and the sound of engines roaring.
Next, he crafted a peace sign, its gentle curves and bright colors evoking the spirit of the 1960s. He had been a teenager during that tumultuous time, full of dreams and ideals. As he cut the glass, memories flooded back—protests, music festivals, and the sense of hope that had permeated his youth.
Finally, he created a depiction of Devil’s Tower, a natural wonder he had climbed many times in his life. The towering formation, made with earthy greens and browns, captured the beauty of nature and his love for adventure. Each piece was more than just art; they were snapshots of his journey, fragments of a life well-lived.
The class culminated in a celebration—a Culminating Event—to showcase their creations. Joey felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as the room filled with friends, family, and curious onlookers. The walls of the art room glowed with the vibrant colors of their works, each telling a story. Joey’s Devil’s Tower piece drew a crowd, with people admiring the intricate details. He explained the significance behind each creation, sharing pieces of his life with those who had come to see his work.
As he looked around the room, Joey was struck by the connections formed within that space. People mingled, sharing stories and laughter, reigniting friendships that had faded over the years. It was more than just a class; it was a community brought together by art.
At the end of the evening, as he stood beside his artworks, Joey realized that he had not only discovered a new passion but also forged deeper connections with others. Becky, who had watched him transform over the weeks, smiled proudly. “See? I knew you could do it,” she said, nudging him playfully.
“It was fun,” Joey replied, grinning.
The Creative Aging Fused Glass class had taught him more than just how to work with glass; it had opened his eyes to the beauty of creativity and the joy of reconnecting with others. As he packed up his pieces to take home, he felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that this experience would stay with him long after the last shard of glass was placed.
Stories like Joey’s are why I’ve been convinced that investing in creative aging is essential for libraries that want to serve their communities in innovative ways. Programs like the Fused Glass class not only spark new passions but also create a sense of community, fostering meaningful connections among older adults. Organizing these programs with local partners enables libraries to better serve their older patrons and enrich their lives in unexpected and lasting ways.
Krisene Watson is the Extension Services Manager for Campbell County Public Library in western Wyoming. Krisene has been facilitating creative aging programs in partnership with Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming State Library, and Lifetime arts for years. Her efforts have been instrumental in demonstrating effective ways to deliver creative aging programs in remote and rural communities.
