Community sits at the heart of our work. We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of connecting with neighbors and having a supportive community. Through our Arts and Aging program, we use the arts as a vehicle for lifelong learning and community building.
Arts and Aging offers participatory, multi-disciplinary sequential arts learning programs taught by professional artists, giving older adults access to high-quality arts and creativity classes and programs at no cost.
Teaching artists work within their own professional expertise to help participating residents build skills, a sense of mastery, and connection with fellow students. This model inspires a sense of purpose and vitality and brings people together. What’s more, research shows that “seniors who engage in participatory arts programs taught by professional artists report improved health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage.”
From October 19 through December 10, 15 individuals from 3 CommonBond communities participated in a 8-week rotation of painting, writing, mailing, and receiving watercolors postcards made from their fellow students. Pictured above are the fruits of their efforts from the remote class!
“This “scrapbook” of postcard images (so named by Fay LaVigne) is shared with gratitude for the creative spirit and for the opportunity to make connections that are often prevented due to the pandemic. Each of these participants deserves praise and congratulations for their willingness to join this effort and to work independently during these different—and sometimes difficult—times.” – Judy Cline, Teaching Artist