Update Regarding COVID-19
Learn More55+ Adults at MCA
Creative Aging
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) established Creative Aging programs in 2017 after being one of fifteen organizations in the state of Minnesota to participate in the Seeding Vitality Arts MN initiative. Thanks to generous funding from Aroha Philanthropies MCA teaching artists and administrative staff received training and support to create unique workshops that were offered for minimal fees to Winona area community members who are 55 years or older.
Today MCA continues this important work thanks to the support Aroha Philanthropies, Elizabeth Callendar King Foundation, and Southeastern Minnesota Art Council (SEMAC). MCA also brings arts to individuals and groups of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and more. For more about Creative Aging in Facilities or to bring a Creative Aging program to you, click here.
Why Arts?
Creative Aging programs are designed to improve the health, well-being, and renewed sense of purpose for older adults. Research from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) – and others – found that social isolation constitutes a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults. Research has also shown that loneliness may have a physical as well as an emotional impact. For example, people who are lonely frequently have elevated systolic blood pressure.
In addition to these workshops, MCA welcomes Older Adults to explore other opportunities to engage in and observe art through our wide array of classes, exhibits, and performances. MCA can help you re-discover your love for an instrument or start learning one for the first time or just help brighten up a chilly evening by taking in a performance by our Jazz Combos or Dance Repertory Company.
Participation gave me permission to do something I enjoy. I learned about the other participants via online searches and found so many people or activities we had in common. I, also, began to have new insight into artists’ techniques illustrated in a series of art history classes that I have taken: the preliminary sketch (or iPhone photo) used as a foundation for a more elaborate painting ; creating a painting in panels, working on one at a time as almost a project in itself (divided photo into six sections and drew the piece section by section). The entire experience provided much needed anxiety relief and diversion from our current crazy/scary world.
Fabulous program! I explored new techniques and observed in new ways. Sharing the postcards helped me to set aside a regular time for engaging in the process. I knew someone else was waiting. I also learned from the approaches others took to the same prompts!
I so appreciate the time, creativity, work, and collaboration given by everyone who designed this unit. There was obviously the difficult task of not being virtual but also giving materials accessible, useful, friendly yet not childish, interesting and new but not academic. All, a difficult balance and the designers did an admirable job of making it work. Thank you!
Weaving (Ages 55+)
Mindful Journaling (Ages 55+)
Be present in the moment and channel your creativity through written and visual expression, learning techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media. This self-paced course provides 8 weekly emails containing journaling techniques and mindfulness prompts to inspire your creativity. Finish the course with a zoom social to share what you learned and, if you’re brave, show off your work!
Day/Dates: February 7-April 3 (8 weeks, self-paced) + Zoom social (date TBD)
Age: 55+
Instructors: Brianna Haupt
Fees: $24* (includes supplies with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US.)
Schedule Creative Aging Programs
MCA’s Creative Aging programs are customizable to fit the needs of your organization. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask! Contact MCA’s Creative Aging Program Coordinator, Catie Deysach, at cdeysach@smumn.edu to discuss your options.
UnbeWEAVEable Designs
Participants in MCA’s winter Weaving class showcase their creations in a virtual exhibit. Students in Weaving explored weaving terms and concepts through the creation of four projects: a place mat, cotton dishtowel, tapestry, and continuous strand weaving. This virtual class, part of the Creative Aging program at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, was designed specifically for ages 55+ and provided participants the skills to create handbags, scarves, rugs and more! Watch the online exhibit to view unbeWEAVEable masterpieces!
Art is Health: Mindful Journaling
Art meets health in Mindful Journaling- February's Creative Aging course offered through Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Visual arts instructor Briana Haupt has partnered with Winona's own Sarah Johnson, mental health professional and creative laureate, to create...
Vintage Valentines
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) with the support of the Winona Fine Arts Commission and in partnership with the Winona County History Center, invites community members aged 6-106 to join a free virtual art class. The class live class will be delivered via Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2:00-3:00 pm. Free Vintage Valentine’s Day Kits can be picked up at The Winona County History Center Feb. 4 – Feb. 13 while supplies last. Visit The Winona County History Center’s website for hours.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
E-Mail: mca@smumn.edu
HOURS
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our office hours are limited to the following but subject to change:
Mondays: 4:15-7:15 pm
Tuesdays: 3:45-6:30 pm
Wednesdays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Thursdays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Fridays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Saturdays: 9:30am- 1:15 pm
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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