Lifelong Learning
Creative Aging‘s Senior Studio offers lifelong learning through the arts in multi-session workshops. Lead by talented local artists and institutions, these courses provide access participatory, multi-session, art making opportunities. Creating enhances seniors’ sense of control and empowerment, offers social engagement, enhances physical and mental functioning, and improves attitude.
Upcoming Courses:
Sculpture Courses at The Dixon Gallery & Gardens--July/August 2019
Join other seniors in learning unique forms of sculpture! Taught by artist Lacy Mitchum, a sculptor and graduate instructor at the University of Memphis, classes cost $25 for a 4 week series, and include all of your supplies. Both sessions are for beginners; in the July session, students will sculpt an animal with paper materials and in the August session, students will create a garden sculpture with fabrics. Classes are at the Dixon Gallery & Gardnes, Farnsworth Education Wing, 4339 Park Ave., Memphis, TN.
- July Session: Tuesday, July 9; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, July 23 and Tuesday, July 30. All classes from 1:30 to 3:00pm. To register for the July session, click here.
- August Session: Tuesday, August 6; Tuesday, August 13; Tuesday, August 20, and Tuesday, August 30. All classes from 1:30 to 3:00pm. To register for the August session, cick here.
History of American Music--Instructor Christian Stanfield--Sept/Oct 2019
Learn the history of American musical genres and be able to recognize their characteristics by ear. This 4 week course explores music from 1900 to 1960, including Ragtime, the Blues, Jazz, Big Band, Swing, Country, Rock & Roll, Soul, and others. Classes begin Tuesday, September 17, 2019, and continue Tuesday, September 24; Tuesday, October 1; and Tuesday, October 8. All classe are at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Libary, 3030 Poplar Ave, Room L-56 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This FREE Senior Studio Course is offered by Creative Aging Memphis in partnership with the Memphis Public Library system. To register, click here.
Creative Writing--Instructor Elaine Blanchard--Oct/Nov 2019
Writing Time, with author and instructor Elaine Blanchard. Participants will be guided through a creative process to write their life stories. Meeting once a week for six weeks in two-hour sessions, students will begin the project, select their reader, determine their voice, organize and outline their stories, and encourage and share with one another. Classes begin Thursday, October 3, 2019, and continue Thursday, October 10; Thursday, October 17; Thursday, October 24; Thursday, October 31; and Thursday, November 7. All classes are from 10:00am to 12:00 noon at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., Room L-56. This FREE Senior Studio Course is offered by Creative Aging Memphis in partnership with the Memphis Public Library system. To register, click here.
Beginner Dulcimer Class--Master Instructor Lee Cagle--Oct/Nov 2019
Beginner dulcimer class! Dulcimers provided, or bring you own. Master instructor Lee Cagle leads this dulcimer class for seniors on four consecutive Fridays, beginning October 18, 2019, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Libary, 3030 Poplar Ave, Room L-56. Dulcimers are provided, or bring your own if you have one. Classes occur Friday, October 18; Friday, October 25; Friday, November 1, and Friday, November 8. All classes are from 10:00am to 11:30am. This FREE Senior Studio Course is offered by Creative Aging Memphis in partnership with the Memphis Public Library system. To register, click here.
Senior Studio Course Catalog
Senior Studio workshops are taught in public locations and in senior communities. Courses are scheduled upon the mutual agreement of the location and the instructor. Program length, number of participants, and cost varies. Basic course descriptions are below. Limited scholarship funds are available. Contact Mia Henley to schedule your course!
Creative Journaling: Keeping an Artist’s Sketchbook
Instructor: Jimpsie Ayers
During this 6-week course, students develop an artist’s sketchbook, learning techniques including photo manipulation and alteration, collage, calligraphy, printmaking and image transference. Maximum 10 individuals.
Abstract Acrylic Painting
Instructor: Judith Weintraub
This 6-week painting course offers students opportunities for fun, outside the box creativity using color, play and movement. Maximum 10 individuals.
Pottery Painting
Instructor: Adam Loeffel
In this 6-week course, participants paint ceramic pieces, exploring aspects of the pottery making process including color theory and principles of design; application processes; and how paints and glazes work together to create different effects, patterns and colors. Maximum 30 participants.
Modern Day Variety
Instructor: The Orpheum Theatre Group in partnership with the University of Memphis and members of the Orpheum STAR Council
In this 8-week course (meets twice a week), participants explore aspects of acting, improvisation and comedy; vocals and performance; and dance and movement. Maximum 12 people.
Dance for Seniors
Instructor: Kristen Lucas
Engage your mind, body and spirit in a truly fun experience. Students will learn a variety of dance styles and dance fundamentals, creating opportunities for skill mastery and creative self-expression.
Rigid Heddle Weaving or Inkle Loom Weaving
Instructor: Felicitas Sloves
In this 6-week course, participants learn to prepare a loom (warp) and materials for weaving, weave a project, and create a finished product either by sewing, mounting, or framing their work. Maximum 8 to 10 individuals.
Dulcimer Instruction
Instructor: Lee Cagle
In this 6-week course, students learn basic dulcimer playing skills from acclaimed dulcimer artist Lee Cagle. Maximum 8 students. Instruments provided.
Development of American Music
Instructor: Christian Stanfield
Learn the history of American music genres and be able to recognize their characteristics by ear. This 4 to 6 week course explores music from 1900 to 1960, including Ragtime, the Blues, Jazz, Big Band, Swing, Country Rock & Roll, Soul, and others. Up to 20 participants.
Storytelling Workshop
Instructor: Elaine Blanchard
Learn to tell a good story with renowned storyteller Elaine Blanchard. In this 6-week course, participants learn various components of storytelling. Maximum 12 participants.
Writing the Marvelous Real: Stories of the Imagination
Instructor: Sheree Renee Thomas
In this 6-week course (meets twice a week) students explore magical realism—taking ordinary people and places and merging them with the extraordinary—to develop their own marvelous tales. Come prepared to read, discuss and write! Maximum 12 students.