October 9, 2020
Creative Aging Participants Create Memorable and Impressive Artwork. Period.
“Mural Memories” at The Field Library in Peekskill, NY
Bringing older adults together with experienced, mature local artists, “Mural Memories” at The Field Library in Peekskill, NY engaged participants in creating a large public mural entitled “Scrambled Flowers” a re-envisioning of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” in celebration of Peekskill’s Dutch background.
Students each painted 12″X12″ canvases when combined, resulted in a 5′ X 7′ permanent mural which was installed on the exterior of the Field Library. I loved many things about this project:
- “Mature local artists” working side-by-side with the participants
- The methodology: teaching painting skills to build toward a communal product
- The thematic connection: bringing in local history and sense of place
- The permanent installation: celebrating the work and creativity of older adults in the public space
Write Out!: A Senior Memoir Writing Course at The LOFT LGBT Center, White Plains, NY
We’re used to hearing coming out stories from young people, but hearing these stories told from the point of view of people who came out as older adults is doubly poignant.
The Q &A session that followed led to many in the audience expressing regrets that they hadn’t taken this class and would be sure to do so should the opportunity arise. The anthology produced featured a sampling of the stories told at the culminating event.
Selected Examples of Student Work from Other Creative Aging Programs
Audio Extra
Listen to Johnson City Public Library participant, Richard Hood’s thoughts about his surprising experience in this bird sculpture workshop, and how registering for this creative aging workshop changed his life for the better at a critical moment. Richard’s letter is read by Ed Friedman.