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:
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.
Multi-Media Collage--Instructor Cindi Ledger--October 2019
Using basic art supplies and their own photos, papers and other memory-invoking items, students will creage muti-media collages. Classes take place on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:00pm on October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Classes take place in the Farnsworth Education Wing at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, 4339 Park Ave. This course is offered by Creative Aging Memphis in partnerhsip with The Dixon. 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 museums, libraries, 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 a course!
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.
Acting & Improv
Instructor: Princeton James Productions
Activate your improv and acting skills. This 6 to 8 session class offers students a chance to share their stories through acting and improv, discovering new skills and creating their own short production.
Collage & Memories
Instructor: Cindi Ledger
Students use basic art supplies to crete a memory collage from pictures and pieces of paper saved from special events. Students learn basic skills involving pleasing compositions, collage layering for artistic depth, use of texture and color for interest, and greater creative expression. 4 to 6 weeks, up to 10 individuals.
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.
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. Number and length of course varies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Songwriting--Blues from the Heart and Soul
Instructor: Kenneth Jackson
In this 6-week course, award winning R & B musician and acclaimed instructor Kenneth Jackson teaches students the art of writing the blues. Working first as a group and then individually, students learn the history and cultural impact of the blues, common blues song structure, how to write their own blues song, and how to accompany themselves on homemade instruments. Up to 15 students.
Spanish
Instructor: Barbara Mansberg
Via commands and short stories, students interact with the course leader and one another. Students learn appropriate physical and voice responses, incrementally engaging in and responding to humorous mini-stories and situations. Through involvement in sight and sound, question and response, students build confidence in vocabulary, comprehension, and expression. Up to 10 students. Classes occur 2 times per week for 8 weeks.
Storytelling/Creative Writing Workshops
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.