Artwork by Pearl Hart
JFS’ Exploring Creativity program for adults 55+ offers an opportunity for engagement with others and creative exploration, even for those who have never picked up a paint brush or put pen to paper.
Held every Wednesday via Zoom, the free class removes barriers like cost and transportation, with supplies provided. Funding is made possible by the Utah Legislature and the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. For many participants, this class has been life-changing. Each month, I receive the needed supplies to delve into an art medium or technique that is wholly new to me, as I have never attempted any art EVER!,” said participant Lori Krasny. “I am now putting brush to canvas, glue to paper, pencil to a variety of subjects and watercolor to a multitude of ideas. With the grace of an open-hearted novice, the patience of a retiree, and the skill of an art preschooler, I am having the most wonderful time trying it all."
“I am learning from so many talented and generous artists; and, each week, I am meeting and learning alongside so many fun, brave and delightful fellow participants," Lori said.
“The creativity class offered by Jewish Family Service has been an olive branch to me as I work through all the challenges that come with caregiving and aging,” said Pearl Hart. “This creativity stretches me, it has deepened my understanding of myself, it has given me social interaction with intriguing class members that are so supportive. Weekly, I look forward to this class and find that it has relieved stress and I see a sense of resilience in myself as my mind is busy creating art or being taught artistic insights.”
Emily Christensen, JFS' Arts & Aging Coordinator and board-certified music therapist, leads the class. “Research shows that older adults who engage in creative activities enjoy better emotional, cognitive, and physical health,” she said.
The class has covered topics like acrylic painting, meditative drawing, active listening to music, watercolor, poetry, writing, mindfulness through art viewing, nature journaling and so much more. The idea behind all these different mediums is to expand the minds and hearts of those who take the class and reacquaint them with the joy of learning something new.
“Each month the participants get a chance to delve into something they may never have attempted before, and may feel apprehensive about trying,” Emily said. “Each activity offers a chance to explore something new and to do so in an environment of support and acceptance.”
“This program allows me to satisfy the ‘always wanted to but never tried’ in me. It allows me to stretch and grow in wonderful ways,” said Lori. “Thank you to JFS for waking the budding artist in all of us involved. What a true gift you are providing us.”
For more information about this class and other programs for older adults, please email Emily.
