Fulfilling arts experiences enliven your body, mind, and spirit and sparkimagination. The therapeutic benefits of regularly partaking in meaningful arts activities are endless and this is especially important as we age. A 2006 landmark study by the National Endowment for the Arts confirmed the relationship between creative expression and healthy aging. Over the course of three years, the Creativity and Aging Study tracked more than 300 individuals (aged 65+) across the country to evaluate the effects relevant to general health, mental health, overall functioning, and sense of well-being in older individuals. What were the results? Better health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage; more positive responses on mental health measures; and more involvement in overall activities.From painting, poetry, and pottery to music, theatre, and dance, it was clear. The arts are great for your health!
Almost 20 years later, Creative Aging—the practice of engaging older adults, aged 55+, in participatory, professionally run arts programs with a focus on mastery of new skills, social engagement and life review—is a national movement and Sedona Arts Center is leading the way for communities in Northern Arizona. As a nonprofit educational institution, our staff and instructors are dedicated to nurturing lifelong creative discovery, learning, and sharing through arts education and artistic development for community members of ALL ages. In October, we are kicking off our new Creative Aging program with two not-to-be missed events, beneficial for individuals, caregivers (family and friends, too!) and teaching artists.
Upcoming Creative Aging Talks
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 4pm
Arts Participation for Healthy Aging
Sedona Arts Center, Art Barn
Light refreshments
Free and open to the public
Research shows that participating in the arts may improve health, cognitive function, memory and improve self-esteem and well-being. Join Heather Mulder, Associate Director Outreach Research at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute/ Banner Sun Health Research Institute as she discusses how innovative programming increases the quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care about them. Q & A to follow, along with an update on the development of our new Creative Aging Program.
To RSVP, email Bernadette@sedonaartscenter.org or call (602) 618-9989.
Saturday, October 7, 10-11:30 am
Introduction to Creative Aging for Teaching Artists
An Online Training with Tessa Windt
Free
This online session for artists teaching in all media aims to provide an experiential, reflective and practical introduction to the role of teaching artists in the field of Creative Aging. This is an invitation to consider among peers how to translate your creative and teaching practices to new populations, new contexts and new perspectives. Please note: attendance at Heather Mulder’s talk is a pre-requisite for this session and select art materials are required.
To register, visit: https://sedonaartscenter.org/product-category/school-of-the-arts/ongoing-classes/
For more information, email Bernadette@sedonaartscenter.org or call (602) 618-9989.
Whether you are a seasoned artist, arts enthusiast, or a new arts learner,we hope you will join us and tap into your creative capacity! Through the arts, we can enjoy and embrace the process of aging.
