ELORA – In a survey conducted by the Elora Centre for the Arts, seniors in the community asked for programming directed at them.
On Jan. 7 the art centre responded with its new Artful Ageing program, a beginner-friendly weekly workshop for those over 55 designed to foster creativity, connection and community.
“My joy in life is to weave people together with art and with food,” explained program leader Stephanie Lines-Toohill at the first workshop on Jan. 7.
“Art is a powerful language to connect people, especially right now in the world.”
Ten local seniors sat around a large table as the session began.
Participants in the Artful Ageing program at the Elora Centre for the Arts talked, laughed, and painted at the first session on Jan. 7. The program runs weekly until March. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
This one was designed to be accessible to everyone – even those who had never picked up a paint brush before. Each participant was given a printout of a painting by artist Bruno Conte, a piece of clear acetate and a marker.
Participants traced Conte’s work onto the acetate and then painted their pieces, some taking liberties with colours, while others added paths or trails to the landscape piece.
The goal was not to learn to paint or even learn about Conte, an Italian painter who lived in Quebec for a time and was influenced by the Group of Seven painters.
“It’s to find out who is around you, who to connect with,” Lines-Toohill said.
“This is a no pressure, gently guided opportunity to learn different ways of making art. It’s about breaking down boundaries between art and being human.”
Penny Hendricks begged to differ. She felt some self-imposed pressure to do the project “the right way” and didn’t want to fail.
“My New Year’s resolution was to try something new,” she said.
“I have never picked up a paint brush or done anything artistic before. I’m a bit nervous.”
Penny Hendricks, left, had never created art before and Sheila Koop was keen to add her own colour choices during the first Artful Ageing session at the Elora Centre for the Arts on Jan. 7. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
But her fears were allayed as she did, indeed, complete the project.
Sheila Koop is a writer, and she came in the hope that a different approach with art would unleash the writing she couldn’t get on the page.
“I think visual art sets a different mindset for writing,” she said.
“I like to fool around with colour. I like to gather with people I don’t necessarily know.”
Many who attended did know each other and the conversation around the table seemed easy, funny and positive.
Judy Anderson, head of programming and public education, said the art centre piloted the program at three long-term care facilities in the area to great success.
As much as it’s about art, “it’s also about companionship and community,” she said.
“Art and creativity bring us together, but they are also a conduit to conversation and a sense of belonging that is so important for community wellness.”
Artful Ageing runs on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3pm for 10 sessions from January to March.
Cost is $15 per session and includes art supplies, tea and cookies. Participants can sign up for one or all the sessions.
For more information click here.
