“Creative aging is an important component of healthy aging, empowering older adults to reflect on life experiences through artistic skills and share their imaginations and ideas with friends, family, and the community" –Central Vermont Council on Aging Director of Development and Communications Luke Rackers.
Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) is hosting a celebration of creative aging on Friday, June 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. Luke recently spoke with us about the event, which coincides with June’s Art Walk, and other creative aging projects he has been working on. His work has been instrumental in addressing some of the difficulties homebound adults face during the pandemic.
The showcase on June 3rd is an opportunity to honor older artists who have participated in CVCOA's Creative Care Kit program. In addition to featuring artwork by program participants, there will be a special display of work that addresses aging issues, a photography exhibit from Lamoille Neighbors, the premiere of a new musical work, and more. Attendees can participate in a movement and imagination program called Ageless Grace with Barb Asen, CVCOA’s Director of Family Caregiver Support, at 5:00pm, and a live poetry reading and new music premiere at 6:00pm.
Luke started the Creative Aging Program to enhance the wellbeing of older adults in the community, with a goal of reducing social isolation and loneliness. Rackers says, "Creative aging activities help to enhance physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing through skills-based, practice-focused, and social-centric opportunities.” The program compliments area senior centers and arts education organizations by offering in-home opportunities to engage in creative projects.
Rackers added the Creative Care Kit project to CVCOA programs two years ago to provide skills-based, practice-focused, and social-centric arts activities to people in their homes during the pandemic. CVCOA sends art instructors to visit the homes of clients, and a volunteer helps work through art instruction kits meant to inspire continued creativity over the course of several months. Activities include watercolor painting, storytelling through cartooning, bookmaking, and art inspired by poetry.
As we strive to be a great community to age in place, we celebrate efforts like CVCOA’s creative aging program. We can’t wait to see the incredible artwork by our community members and enjoy the festivities.
For more information, contact Luke at the Central Vermont Council on Aging, www.cvcoa.org, 802-479-1953 or [email protected].