Local seniors' programming offers artistic activities, togetherness
Art Windsor-essex gives opportunity for those over 55 to connect, be creative
Art Windsor-essex (AWE) is drawing in participants eager to stretch their creativity via new programming aimed at older adults.
The newly formed seniors council, comprised of individuals over the age of 55, has already helped to facilitate activities ranging from print making to chair yoga for it's twice-monthly gatherings.
The council is like an advisory committee, according to co-ordinator Sophie Hinch, who oversees education and programming at the AWE.
“They let us know exactly what they want to learn, what skills they want to learn,” Hinch said. “They get to really make all of those decisions.
“I get to do the fun part and put it all together.”
But it's not just about learning and being creative.
“It's a great way to socialize, gather and meet other seniors that are interested in the arts,” Hinch said.
Lauren Snyder-gault and husband Kelly Gault have been members of the art gallery (previously Art Gallery of Windsor) for 15 years and Snyder-gault said they jumped at the opportunity to join the seniors council.
“The opportunity for us, what attracted us, was the opportunity to go and try different mediums that we might not otherwise have the opportunity to do,” Snyder-gault said.
They also bring Snyder-gault's 90-year-old parents, Don and Barbara Snyder, with them to the events, which are held on average twice a month.
“I am not an artist,” Snyder- Gault said. “It's two hours of comedy. We laugh. Nobody gets criticized.
“You compliment each other. It's uplifting. It's genuinely a good feeling (and) it's two hours of communication with somebody else. It's a lot of fun.”
AWE executive director Jennifer Matotek said the council was born out of work being done around increasing community-driven programming.
The AWE already had a teen council when the idea arose to look at a seniors council.
“We realized there was a need,” Matotek said. “Thinking about different life stages and the challenges people are facing as we emerge out of the social isolation of the pandemic.
“There is this crisis of loneliness happening. And we know art can be such a powerful tool to unite people and support wellness.”
The program is funded by Caesars Windsor and the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors program.
Caesars Windsor Cares announced recently a pledge of $10,000 to support the seniors council.
“In the future, we're actually looking at intergenerational opportunities,” Matotek said. “So how can our teen council maybe work with our seniors council, maybe co-present programming.
“The whole goal of the program apart from learning skills and social cohesion is really that busting social isolation piece,” she added. “So as much as we can do to make the programs really social and engaging and interactive, that's as important to us as the piece around `Oh, I learned how to paint better.'”
Snyder-gault pointed out the AWE is located on a bus route and the building is fully accessible for persons who use wheelchairs or have walking challenges.
But she said, it's also approachable for all residents.
“AWE is not what people used to perceive the art gallery as being,” Snyder-gault said. “It's open and it's thought provoking and it's appealing.
“I like the changes that AWE has gone through and has really changed its format so that it is something for everybody. It's not your grandma's art gallery any more,” she said with a laugh.
“It's everybody's art gallery now. It's a whole different feel. Really a nice vibe. It's a great place to be.”