Studio Courses

Lifelong Learning Through the Arts

Creative Aging Studio Courses offer lifelong learning through the arts. Professional teaching artists lead art-making courses in a variety of disciplines. Studio Courses build skills, offer connection and community, and improve physical and mental well-being. These free courses are for individuals over the age of 65. Any necessary supplies are provided. 

Visit our Workshops and Courses page to learn more

or scroll down for a printable PDF of the full 2023 Studio Course Catalog.

 

UPCOMING FREE COURSES

June - July 2023 

Due to high demand and small class sizes individuals are asked to register for a single course below. Individuals who register for multiple courses will be contacted to select a single course.

Batik Art @ Cossitt Library, May 19 - June 23

Memphis in May meets Creative Aging Studio Courses! In celebration of the new Cossitt Library being opened we are honoring our Memphis in May country, Malaysia. Using reference images found in the library, participants will work with teaching artist Sarah Nowlin to learn and discuss Malaysian batik art. Then they will create their own original design on fabric and transfer iron print on paper.

This course will meet at the Cossitt Library on Fridays from 10:30am-12pm on 5.19, 5.26, 6.2, 6.9, 6.16, 6.23.

This FREE Studio Course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is supported by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

Register for Batik Art at the Cossitt Library here: https://CreativeAgingBatikArtCossittLibrary.eventbrite.com

Abstract Art I @ Randolph Library, June 1 - July 6

In this 6-week course participants will join teaching artist Sarah Nowlin to explore an introduction to varying modern abstract art movements and artists of note. Participants will work with the instructor to create small paintings in the style and point of view of various artists studied. All supplies and tools are provided. 

Class will meet at the Randolph Library, 3752 Given Ave., on Thursdays from 10am-11:30pm on 6.1, 6.8, 6.15, 6.22, 6.29, 7.6.

This FREE Studio Course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is supported by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

Register for Abstract Art I at Randolph Library here: https://CreativeAgingAbstractOneRandolphLibrary.eventbrite.com

Storytelling & Creative Writing @ North Branch Library, June 6 - July 18

Do you have a story to tell? Of course you do! Join accomplished storyteller and teaching artist Elaine Blanchard to learn the art of crafting a good story. Participants will explore various components of storytelling and writing to develop their own story to share. 

This six week class will meet at the North Branch Library on Tuesdays from 1-2:30 on 6.6, 6.13, 6.20, 6.27; 7.11, 7.18. Please note that there will be no class on 7.4.

This FREE course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is made possible by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library. 

Register for Storytelling and Creative Writing at the North Branch Library here: https://CreativeAgingStorytellingNorthBranch.eventbrite.com

Basic Clay Skills @ Levi Library, June 15 - July 13

Teaching artist Debbie Lovett will work with participants to learn and practice basic clay skills. Participants will learn techniques used to roll out clay and form it into fun and functional shapes that will be fired and then glazed, Participants will create 2-3 original finished pieces. All supplies and tools are provided. Pieces are taken off-site after each session to be fired and then returned.

This four-week course will meet at the Levi Library on Thursdays from 1:30pm-3:00pm on 6.15, 6.29, 7.6, 7.13. *Please not there will no class on 6.22.

This FREE Studio Course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is supported by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

To register for Basic Clay Skills at Levi Library click here: https://CreativeAgingBasicClaySkillsatLeviLibrary.eventbrite.com

Watercolor I @ Parkway Village Library, June 16 - July 28

Beginners welcome! During this six-week course, students will work with teaching artist Amillia Stembridge to explore watercolor painting by studying various artists and techniques to create new pieces. Participants will be given a variety of tools and materials to achieve each weekly goal and will accumulate knowledge and skills to complete increasingly advanced pieces. 

Class sessions will meet on Fridays from 11-12:30 on 6.16, 6.23; 7.7, 7.14, 7.21, 7.28. Please note that there will be no class on June 30th in observation of the 4th of July.

This FREE Studio Course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is supported by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

To register for Watercolor I at Parkway Village Library please click here: https://CreativeAgingWatercolorIatParkwayVillageLibrary.eventbrite.com

Poetry @ Cordova Library, June 28 - July 26

No experience necessary! In this four-week course, English enthusiast and educator Aaron Brame will guide participants through readings and discussions about different types of poetry. The class will then spend time writing poetry individually and collaboratively using various creative activities guaranteed to get the pencils moving and the poetry flowing. The class will workshop and revise your poems until they are ready to share with the world! 

Class sessions will meet at the Cordova Library, 8457 Trinity Rd., on Wednesdays from 3pm - 4:30pm on 6.28, 7.12, 7.19, 7.26. *Please note there is no class on 7.5 in observation of the 4th of July.

This FREE Studio Course for learners 65+ is offered by Creative Aging in partnership with the Memphis Public Libraries. This partnership is supported by ArtsMemphis, the Briggs Foundation, the Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library.

To register for Poetry at the Cordova Library please click here: https://CreativeAgingPoetryatCordovaLibrary.eventbrite.com

OUR NEW SUMMER INTENSIVES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Click here to join our email list for announcements about new courses and events.

 


Interested in hosting a Creative Aging Studio Course for your 65+ community? 

We have a wide variety of courses and teaching artists available for on-site sessions at museums, libraries, and other organizations that serve and engage people over 65.  Click below to browse the full 2023 Course Catalog and discover more. 

2023 sTUDIO course catalog 

Enriching Lives Through the Arts

Connect With Us