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by Robin Sauerwein “Some of the most powerful works of art have been produced by older Americans, by hands that have engaged in years of hard work, eyes that have witnessed decades of change, and hearts that have felt a lifetime of emotions.” –Hillary Rodham Clinton If you think about it, Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Matisse produced some of their most important works in their later years. Goethe completed Faust at 80; Titian painted masterpieces at 98. So, what’s stopping you from getting in touch with your inner artist? Artistic expression is an essential part of human expression, yet not all of us give it the time or importance it deserves. Earlier in life, work and family responsibilities may have been in the way but when retirement arrives, time opens up for many people. This may be the perfect time for you to add a little creativity into your life. The Health Benefits Creativity is also good for us. We benefit from it both emotionally and physically. Research is now being gathered to document the positive impact creativity can have on the health and well-being of older people. This year the preliminary results were released on a research study that focused on creative activities in the lives of older adults under the principal investigation of Dr. Gene Cohen. Dr. Cohen is the author of The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life. The study entitled, “The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults,” is the first national, longitudinal study of its kind sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects relevant to mental and general health, and sense of well-being on an older person caused by experiential cultural programs led by professional folk, visual and literary artists. The programs involved visual arts, dance, music, poetry, drama, material culture and/or oral histories in a creative context. Preliminary results report that the intervention group (those who were involved in programs by professional artists) experienced better overall health, fewer falls, fewer doctor visits, diminished use of medications and more. Although the final results have not yet been released, the study sets the groundwork for future creative and aging initiatives. Creative expression has always been important for older people of all cultures. As we age, we experience many physical changes as well as an increased search for meaning and purpose. The arts can serve as a powerful way to engage elders in a creative and healing process of self-expression, enabling them to create works that honor their life experience. The need for quality programming and opportunities has never been greater. The Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network Founded four years ago by volunteers, The Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network’s (MnCAAN) mission is to expand opportunities of older adults in the creative arts to improve their quality of life. Their interactive website (www.mncaan.net) is a place to find inspiration, information and referrals about art and aging in Minnesota. Here you will find everything from a calendar of events to artistic resources for family and caregivers.“We’re really pioneers nationally,” Pat Samples, MnCAAN coordinator said. For some seniors, pursuing an art may be a little intimidating. But Samples asserts that learning something new can be a big stretch for any of us. That is why the network’s goal is to find good quality teachers that can help lead people into it in a non-threatening way. “There are plenty of opportunities for you to express yourself,” she said. There is more of an emphasis these days on lifelong learning in the aging movement today. And more and more senior care facilities and organizations want quality artist programs.“The boomer generation is demanding it.” Samples said. Besides the enjoyment of participating, creative programs enhance relationships with caregivers, build community and, for older people who may feel invisible in society, the arts are a way in which they can be socially engaged. Samples who teaches creative writing classes sees the positive results firsthand. Students in her classes really want to hear each other’s stories. “Their creativity is being honored,” she said. “It’s always moving for me to hear these wonderful stories.” Elsie Johnson, 92, recently began taking creative writing classes from Samples. But her first love is oil painting. She started taking classes in Grand Marais at the Art Colony. “I love color, she said. “When I work with oils, I get immersed. It’s inside of me.” Painting and writing help Elsie meet other artists and it keeps her mind engaged. And since taking up painting, she sees the world in a different way. She recounts the first time one of her paintings sold at an art show in Grand Marais. “It was a very exciting experience for me,” she said. Since that day, Elsie has sold a number of her works. “My living room is covered with my own paintings. It brings back memories of Grand Marais. My art lives within me.” She said. Rita Deyo worked as a scientist for many years at the University of Minnesota. When she retired in 1991, she finally found time to write. “I was a scientist by career and a poet by passion,” she said. Since retiring she has joined writers’ groups which give her the nudge to continue to write. “I don’t believe life is all doing the dishes and cutting the grass. Writing lets me explore myself,” she said. Carol Ives also picked up writing three years ago. “I don’t write to be published. It’s a way to explore me - the inner person,” she said. Creativity belongs to all of us regardless of age, if we only take the time for it.“Everybody is creative. Up to our last breath,” Samples said. The Loft Literary Center Classes and workshops are offered year round for all levels and genres of writing. Whether you are writing your memoirs or discovering poetry, the Loft is the place to find qualified and constructive teachers to launch your inner muse. Don’t know where to start? Try one of their basic playful courses like a Creative Writing Sampler or a one day workshop that provide a safe and welcoming environment for getting started. The Loft also offers expanded programming in seven communities. The Edina Art Center Providing the community with a place to enjoy art and a chance to learn how to create it with adult art classes of every description – pottery, watercolor, media arts, stained glass, knitting, kites and much more. Split Rock Arts Program Summer Workshops: 40 workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and mixed-genre formats are held at the Twin Cities U of M campus and the Cloquet Forestry Center. Registration opens in February. Classes like “Drawing for the Truly Terrified” are always a hit. Online Mentoring for Writers: The web-based program offers writers at all levels, one-on-one mentoring with their fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts BLCA encourages the work of developing and established artists and provides resources and opportunities in the arts for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Intermedia Arts This multicultural, multi-disciplinary arts center offers a place to share stories through visual arts, theater, dance, music, media and literature – exploring everything from folk arts to hip-hop culture. Northern Clay Center Classes offered year-round for all ages, levels and abilities. The ClayToGo program brings the experience of clay to those who can’t easily come to the center. White Bear Center for the Arts Learn everything from watercolors to beginning writing. Arts experiences are offered for children, adults, and families. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI offers hands-on arts classes like Landscape Painting, Outdoor Sketching, Memoir Writing and Introduction to Storytelling. Special interest groups, such as Digital Photography and Play Reading, meet on an ongoing basis. Plus, groups gather to enjoy the arts, attending concerts and theatre productions. Center for the Book Arts Think outside the book and learn how to make stunning books, handmade paper, calligraphy, letterpress works and more. Classes held year-round. Community Centers Don’t overlook this resource, especially for fun and inspirational art classes that are also inexpensive. Most communities offer short classes three or four times a year. Minneapolis Community Education Further Resources Cohen, G., MD, Ph.D. The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life. William Morrow, 2000. Lindauer, Martin S., Aging, Creativity and Art: A Positive Perspective on Late-Life Development. Springer, 2003. Movie: The Creative Power of Aging This film will be broadcast throughout the year on TPT. You can purchase a copy of the video from the Minnesota Creative Artists Network.by Robin Sauerwein
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Finding your Inner Artist