SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. – There will be an open house for a new Creative Aging program at Main Street Arts (MSA) on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 12-2 p.m. The event is free, and there will be a free lunch for older Vermonters in attendance. RSVPs are requested, and can be made at info@mainstreetarts.org.
There will be live music from MSA’s very own string band. Seniors will be able to preview classes, meet the artists, and check out demonstrations including Feldenkrais with Paris Kern, Eastern Swing Dance with Matt Peake, Expressive Arts Discussion with Susan-Marie Beauchemin, Make a Family Heirloom with Annabelini Questifari, Cyanotype Collaging with Evie Lovett, and String Band with Jill Newton.
There will also be classes in Memory Book Boxes with Amber Paris; and Jewelry Pendants, Art Journaling, Mosaic Mirrors, and more with Susan E. Rosano.
The Creative Arts program is a collaboration between MSA and Senior Solutions, the agency on aging located in Springfield.
“When we piloted MSA’s Creative Aging program last spring with 15 older Vermonters, many were surprised at how creative they could be. There’s research showing that creativity actually increases with age – contrary to the idea that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. We celebrated the eight-week course with an art show of their work,” said Susan Stills, director of MSA. “The group had such a good time, they scheduled a lunch after the course ended. Expressing creativity and making social connections is good for your health!”
Thom Simmons, nutrition and wellness director at Senior Solutions, agrees. “Senior Solutions recognizes creative aging as an integral part of healthy aging. In pursuit of that, we have partnered with Main Street Arts in Saxtons River to provide arts opportunities for seniors, by instructors who are registered with the Vermont Arts Council and trained in working with our senior population,” Simmons said.
“Humans have an innate desire for expression and creation. Arts projects help us communicate the human experience in fun, meaningful, and impactful ways. Sharing our creative work is a great way to connect with others and build new connections. The arts can also help people achieve a sense of purpose and personal growth, and can have a positive impact on social, emotional, mental, and physical health,” he continued.
Main Street Arts’ mission is to be a catalyst for arts and community, fostering creative expression through artistic experiences, accessible to all.
For more information, please visit www.mainstreetarts.org, or email info@mainstreetarts.org.