Arts & Aging

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 the transformative effect of participatory arts programs on the health and well-being of older adults.

Highlights from the winter of 2022 classes:

During Winter 2022, Arts & Aging Program Manager Kate Houston and Teaching Artists worked to offer a variety of both in-person and zoom classes across several CommonBond Communities. Here is a glimpse into a couple of these classes:

Into the Woods with Ink and Watercolors 

Led by Teaching artist Judy Cline, artists from four CommonBond Communities participated in a weekly class via zoom. Participants studied concepts such as line, composition, color mixing, value, and contrast, as well as watercolors skills and techniques. The class concept was inspired by the beauty and richness of nature and the musical Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim. Artists gained confidence in drawing and painting and learned from one another, creating amazing work. To see artwork created during this class, view this Into the Woods slideshow.

Collage! From Scraps to Works of ART

Led by Teaching artist Lynda Monick-Isenberg, artists from four CommonBond Communities participated in a weekly class via zoom. Participants explored personal themes, visual storytelling, color, design, and humor in reassembled new-found materials. Artists learned about the artform and history of collage, took risks, and supported one another’s artistic goals and processes along the way. To see artwork created during this class, view the collage slideshow above. And check out this story about the class on our blog, featuring reflections from Lynda and two class participants!

The Arts and Aging Program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

The Arts and Aging Program is supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.

Technology allows us to showcase the amazing work of residents in a new way—through virtual gallery tours! Take a look at pieces made by resident artists during three recent classes in 2021: Color Drawing: Painting with Pencil, Intro to Acrylic Painting and Continuing Watercolor.

Now friends and family can view the artwork from wherever they are. Enjoy the unique style and vision of each of these artists!