WIP Artist Highlight: Nathasha Brooks-Harris for Textile Arts Center
AIR 15 Feature: Carter Shocket for Textile Arts Center
AIR 15 Feature: Audrey Cibel for Textile Arts Center
Abstract: Art and Aging in America is a qualitative artistic research study conducted to explore the benefits of artmaking for senior citizens, as well as work towards an understanding of the needs and preferences of senior citizen art students. The results of the study show that artmaking and creative expression are beneficial to older adults in myriad ways; there are health, mental, social, and emotional benefits. However, through field observations, it was determined that the current state of art class offerings for seniors are subpar. The students are not taken as seriously as they deserve, are not sufficiently challenged or inspired, and are not adequately celebrated and encouraged. Through surveys, conversations, artistic exploration, and journal reflections, key elements of improvement were identified and two lesson plan suggestions were developed.