Art class designed for the ‘young at heart’
The Ink People Center for the Arts’ DreamMaker Program invites people 65 and older to participate in an online version of “Art for the Young at Heart,” an art class and peer support group.
The class is funded by the California Arts Council, Humboldt Area Foundation, Ingrid Nickelsen Trust, local private donations and TelebehavioralHealth.US. Participants attend a 90-minute session once a week starting in mid-July. Classes run through mid-November.
Along with learning skills in drawing and painting with local artist Maureen McGarry, the sessions will include peer group support and will be co-facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker.
The project was originally designed to take place in various sites in Humboldt County. With the rapidly changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic, the meetings had to be converted to virtual/remote learning.
“I was looking forward to the opportunity for folks to get out of their houses and connect with their peers, promoting social connectedness and trying to defeat social isolation. Everything changed when the lock-down began. Seniors became one of the most vulnerable groups to be affected by the highly contagious virus,” said McGarry.
She added: “Collaborating with a licensed clinician to help facilitate discussion while participants create art seems like a good idea during such extraordinary times and circumstances, especially for seniors. Many seniors are living alone and are feeling more isolated than ever.”
There is no charge for the class. However, participants will need to purchase their own art supplies. McGarry has worked with Lush Newton and Malia Matsumoto at the Art Center in Arcata to put together the collection of supplies needed for the class.
For more information, email maureen@telebehavioralhealth.us.
There is no charge for the class. However, participants will need to purchase their own art supplies. For more information, email maureen@ telebehavioral health.us.