Senior Studio Courses

Lifelong Learning Through the Arts

Creative Aging‘s Senior Studio courses offer lifelong learning through the arts. Lead by talented teaching artists, these multi-session courses provide people who are aging with access to participatory, art making opportunities. Creativity enhances seniors’ sense of control, offers social engagement, enhances physical and mental functioning, and improves attitude. 

Upcoming Courses

Creative Writing: Feb 13 - March 19, 2020 @ Arlington Sam Wilson Library-Classes After March 15 POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

February 13, 20, 27 and March 5, 12, & 19, 2020 from 1:30am to 3:30 pm. 

Locations: 

Arlington Sam Wilson Library, 11968 Walker Stree

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

In this 6-week course, author and instructor Elaine Blanchard guides participants 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. Students should bring something to write with--paper, a laptop computer, or your favorite medium for writing.  

Registration: 

Call the Arlington Senior Center at (901) 867-7698.

 

Blues Stories: Learn and Write the Blues: Feb 25 - Mar 31, 2020 @ North Branch--Classes After March 15 POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Tuesdays from 12 to 1:00pm, February 25 to March 31, 2020.

Location: 

North Branch Library, 1192 Vollintine Ave., Memphis, TN, 38107

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

In this participatory workshop, students learn from Blues' songwriter and performer Kenneth Jackson about the development of the Blues and its musical, social and cultural impact.  Students review common Blues song structures and work together to write Blues verses, telling their individual stories, exploring rhythm patterns used in Blues music, and creating homemade instruments to accompany them as they play their own Blues piece.  This Senior Studio Course is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Library system. 

Register for Classes at Frayser library

Acrylic Painting: Mar 2 - Mar.30, 2020 @ Collierville Senior Center-Classes After March 15 POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Mondays, March 2, 9, 23, and 30 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.  

Location: 

Linda Kerley Collierville Senior Center, 215 Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

Explore elements of design in this painting course for beginners. Students will work with composition, color, mood and perspective through observation, discussion, sketching and painting–ultimately creating larger final landscapes to take home and enjoy.  This course is offered in partnership with the Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call the Collierville Senior Center at (901) 457-2769.

Mosaics: March 3 - April 7 @ Baker Senior Center, Millington, TN-Classes After March 15 POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:30pm

Location: 

Baker Center, 7942 Church St., Millington, TN 

Cost: 

FREE

Course Description: 

Join renowned local mosaic artist Kristi Duckworth to create a mosaic piece for your garden.  Kristi works with beginner students to draw and color a pattern for a mosaic piece, cut the piece from clay, glaze, adhere mosaic pieces, and grout the final product.  This course is offered in partnership with Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration:  Call Alex Harris at (901) 873-5772

Creative Movement: Mar. 19 - Apr 23, 2020 @ Lakeland Senior Center-POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Thursdays, March 19, 26 & April 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 12:00 to 1:00pm.

Location: 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road, Lakeland, TN 

Course Description: 

Working with intructor Kristen Lucas, engage your mind, body and spirit in a truly fun experience. Students will learn a variety of movement styles and dance fundamentals, creating opportunities for skill development and creative self-expression.

Registration: 

Call the Lakeland Senior Center at (901) 867-2717

Acting & Improv: March 24 - April 28, 2020 @ Arlington Senior Center-Courses POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Tuesday, March 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2020 from 12:00 to 1:00pm.  

Location: 

Arlington Sam Wilson Library, 11968 Walker Street, Arlington, TN  

Course Description: 

Under the direction of Princeton James Productions, students learn to activate their improvisation and acting skills. This class offers students a chance to share their stories through acting and improv, discovering new skills and creating their own short production.

Registration: 

Call the Arlington Senior Center at (901) 867-7698. 

Guitar for Beginners, April 3 - April 25, Arlington Senior Center-Courses POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, and 25 from 3:30 to 5:00pm. 

Location: 

Arlington Senior Center, 6265 Chester St., Arlington, TN

Course Description: 

In this guitar class for beginners, instructor Joe Oser teaches students the first steps of playing the guitar.  Students explore basic strumming and chord changing, singing while playing simple melodies, bass runs and licks to elevate songs.  Students should bring their own instrument, and a music stand is helpful.    

Registration: 

Call the Arlington Senior Center at (901) 867-7698.

Acrylic Painting: April 6 - May 11, 2020 @ Lakeland Senior Centers POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11 from 10:00 to 11:00am.  

Location: 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road, Lakeland, TN 

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

Explore elements of design in this painting course for beginners. Students will work with composition, color, mood and perspective through observation, discussion, sketching and painting–ultimately creating larger final landscapes to take home and enjoy.  This course is offered in partnership with the Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call the Lakeland Senior Center at (901) 746-8195.

Mixed Media Collage, April 6 - May 4 @ Germantown Pickering Center POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:30am.  

Location: 

Germantown Pickering Center, 771 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN 

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

Students work with mixed media collage artist Cindi Ledger to create a memory collage from pictures and other memorabilia. Using basic art materials, students learn skills including pleasing composition, collage layering, use of texture and color, and greater creative expression. Art supplies and canvas is provided.  Students should bring their own photographs (or copies of photos) and memorabilia. 

Registration: 

Call the Germantown Senior Program at (901) 757-7376.

Watercolor at the Dixon: Apr 7 -28, 2020 @ The Dixon POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 1:30 to 3:00pm

Location: 

The DIxon Museum & Gardens, Farnsworth Arts Education Wing, 4339 Park Ave., Memphis, TN  38117

Cost: 

$25, includes supplies

Course Description: 

Join local watercolor artist Bill Branch to create small paintings and learn the basics of the medium of watercolor. Students will learn watercolor’s history and basic methods for applying  watercolor to paper. Participants will create floral still life and en plein air creations as they paint in The Dixon’s beautiful spring gardens. This course is offered in partnership with The Dixon Museum & Gardens.

click here to register or call The Dixon 761-5250

 

Dulcimer for Beginners: April 8 - April 29 @ Germantown Pickering Center POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am, April 8, 15, 22, and 29  

Location: 

Germantown Pickering Center, 771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN   

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

Dulcimer Instructor Lee Cagle teaches the basics of playing the dulcimer. No prior musical knowledge is needed. Dulcimers are available for your use, or bring your own if you have one.  

Registration: 

Call the Germantown Senior Program at (901) 757-7376

Dulcimer-Level 2, April 9- April 30, Arlington Sam Wilson Library POSTPONED

Dates & Time: 

Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 1:30am to 3:00 pm. 

Locations: 

Arlington Sam Wilson Library, 11968 Walker Stree

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

In this 4-week course for students who have already taken Dulcimer for Beginners, expert instructor Lee Cagle teaches students additional techniques for playing the dulcimer.  Students should bring their own dulcimer if they have one, but dulcimers are also available for student's use.  

Registration: 

Call the Arlington Senior Center at (901) 867-7698.

Pottery Painting, April 23 - May 28, Lakeland Senior Center

Dates & Time: 

Thursdays, April 23, 30 and May 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10:00 to 11:00am.  

Location: 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road, Lakeland, TN 

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

In this 6 week course taught by master potter Adam Loeffel, 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. This course is offered in partnership with the Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call the Lakeland Senior Center at (901) 746-8195.

Dulcimer for Beginners: April 24 - May 15, 2020 Lakeland Senior Center

Dates & Time: 

Fridays, April 24, May 1, 8, and 15 from 10:00 to 11:30am

Location: 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road, Lakeland, TN 

Cost: FREE

Course Description: 

Dulcimer Instructor Lee Cagle teaches the basics of playing the dulcimer. No prior musical knowledge is needed. Dulcimers are available for your use, or bring your own if you have one.  This course is offered in partnership with Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call the Lakeland Senior Center at (901) 746-8195.

Creative Movement, May 4 - June 1, Arlington Senior Center

Dates & Time: 

Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, and June 1 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

Location: 

Arlington Senior Center, 6265 Chester St., Arlington, TN

Course Description: 

Working with intructor Kristen Lucas, engage your mind, body and spirit in a truly fun experience. Students will learn a variety of movement styles and dance fundamentals, creating opportunities for skill development and creative self-expression.

Registration: 

Call the Arlington Senior Center at (901) 867-7698.

Mixed Media Collage, June 1 - June 29, 2020 @ Whitehaven Library

Dates & Time: 

Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10:30-11:30am

Location: 

Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch Road, Memphis, TN 

Cost: FREE

 

Course Description: 

Students work with mixed media collage artist Cindi Ledger to create a memory collage from pictures and other memorabilia. Using basic art materials, students learn skills including pleasing composition, collage layering, use of texture and color, and greater creative expression. Art supplies and canvas is provided.  Students should bring their own photographs (or copies of photos) and memorabilia.  This course is offered in partnership with the Memphis Library Foundation. 

Registration:  

Call Donna Windham at the Whitehaven Branch at (901) 415-2781 or click here to register for this class at the Whitehaven Library. 

Pottery Painting: June 12 - June 26 @ Germantown Pickering Center

Dates & Time: 

Fridays, June 12, 19 and 26 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. 

Location: 

Germantown Pickering Center, 771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 

Cost: 

Free Course 

Course Description: 

In this 3 week course (2 hours per session) taught by master potter Adam Loeffel, 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. This course is offered in partnership with the Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call Germantown Pickering Center at (901) 757-7376. 

Mosaics: June 16 - June 30 @ Germantown Pickering Center

 

Dates & Time: 

Tuesdays, June 16, 23 and 30 from 1:30 to 3:30pm. 

Location: 

Germantown Pickering Center, 771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 

Cost: 

Free Course 

Course Description: 

Join renowned local mosaic artist Kristi Duckworth to create a mosaic piece for your home or garden.  Kristi works with beginner students to draw and color a pattern for a mosaic piece, cut the piece from clay, glaze, adhere mosaic pieces, and grout the final product.  This course is offered in partnership with the Shelby County Department of Housing and Community Development. 

Registration: 

Call Germantown Pickering Center at (901) 757-7376. 

Senior Studio Course Catalog

Senior Studio workshops are taught in museums, libraries, and 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.

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.  Maximum 20.

Collage & Memories

Instructor:  Cindi Ledger

Students use basic art supplies to create 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 participants.  

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.

Creative Movement

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.  Up to 20 participants.

Guitar for Beginners 

Instructor:  Joe Oser

In this guitar class for beginners, instructor Joe Oser teaches students the first steps of playing the guitar.  Over 4 to 6 weeks, students explore basic strumming and chord changing, singing while playing simple melodies, bass runs and licks to elevate songs.  Students must bring their own instrument, and a music stand is helpful.  Up to 10 participants.

Music in America

Instructor: Christian Stanfield

Learn about the development of American musical 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.

Dulcimer Instruction

Instructor: Lee Cagle

In this 6-hour course, taught over 4 weeks (1.5 hour sessions), students learn basic dulcimer playing skills from acclaimed dulcimer artist Lee Cagle. Maximum number of students varies. Instruments provided.

 

Landscape Painting for Beginners

Instructor: Sarah Nowlin

During this 6-week course, students explore and develop basic landscape painting skills, including composition/color blocking, basic color mixing and mood, creative depth and perspective, and styles of landscape painting. Students leave with their own landscape painting. Maximum 15.

 

Mosaics

Instructor:  Kristi Duckworth

Students learn basic skills needed to work with the art of mosaics from local mosaic artist Kristi Duckworth, including drawing and coloring a mosaic piece pattern, cutting the piece out of clay, glaze, adhering mosaic pieces, and grouting. Up to 8 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.

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. Looms provided. Maximum 8 (up to 10 if some students have a loom).

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. 

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.  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 (meeting 2 hours per week), participants learn various components of storytelling. Maximum 12.

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.

Enriching Lives Through the Arts

Connect With Us