From its inception, the Georgia Museum of Art has been a place for individuals to learn about, explore and enjoy the visual arts. This not only includes students and Athens residents, but the state of Georgia, as a whole. We take pride in creating a space for all to experience the wonders of art in their own unique way. This includes making sure that visitors of any age can enjoy all that the museum has to offer.
Created with older individuals in mind, creative aging programs have blossomed in museums across the country giving members of this older demographic new ways to appreciate the arts. For decades, the Georgia Museum of Art has helped in creating such programs with the hope of targeting the attention of our senior communities. For example, our Senior Outreach Program, developed by Diane Barret, Ed.D., more than 20 years ago, works not only to generate excitement for the visual arts, but also to build community by working in conjunction with senior centers in neighboring counties. Conducted in the spring, this three-part program begins by having senior citizens participate in a pre-visit at their local center. There they are introduced to works of art and other members of their community. Then they engage in an interactive museum tour of a special exhibition. Finally, they take part in a post-visit program at the senior center to discuss their experience and create their own works of art inspired by their visit.
Since then, we have worked to further build this relationship with our elder communities. We offer many opportunities throughout the year that are geared specifically toward senior Georgia residents, including the two latest programs currently being offered here at the Georgia Museum of Art.
Creative Aging Seated Yoga seeks to improve one’s mindfulness while surrounded by familiar faces and the many pieces of art housed in the museum. Led by Raquel Durden, this hour-long program includes restorative stretching, deep breathing and mindfulness targeted toward older individuals. Durden is the director of Humble Warrior Wellness and Yoga, which uses yoga, meditation and clean eating to encourage wellness and renewal for women veterans and first responders. A veteran herself, Durden hopes that her work will give participants the chance to “find an enhanced ease and breath both on and off their yoga mats.” Our first workshop was held on April 7, with more dates to follow. Please visit the museum’s event calendar for more information and instructions on how to sign up. We hope to see you working on your own spiritual wellness while admiring the museum’s beautiful works of art.
Future creative aging programming will also include an art workshop hosted by Toni Carlucci. In the past, the museum has offered workshops that enable visitors to experience and learn about unique forms of art. We also aim to inspire visitors, with lessons and demonstrations in creating art of a similar fashion. Carlucci is a local artist and program leader of art education at Athens’ Lyndon House Arts Center. She also teaches art classes at Athens Tech. Visitors may remember her from our off-site outreach program Just My Imagination, where she has led demonstrations in felting, drawing and beadweaving. We are happy to welcome her back to teach and inspire the elder members of our community. Make sure to check the museum’s event calendar as more updates on this event become available.
While the Georgia Museum of Art works to provide a place for visitors to experience and be inspired by the visual arts, we also work to facilitate and foster community with all residents of the great state of Georgia. We are glad that we can continue to provide services that help to support our community, especially those that cater to our older members. Be sure to visit our community and public programs page to learn more and explore other ways to engage in the arts with community in mind.
By Mikayla Tribble
