55+ Adults at MCA

Seeding Vitality Arts MN Workshops

Update Regarding COVID-19

Learn More

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is so excited to be one of fifteen organizations in the state of Minnesota that is a part of the 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 will offered for minimal fees to Winona area community members who are 55 years or older. No prior experience is required for any of these workshops and all supplies are provided. Just come ready to join this fun learning community!

Why Arts?

The Vitality Arts 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.

Due to COVID-19 the below info may not be up-to-date, to view current online programming click here.

Creating Winona with Oil Pastels

We know you love Winona, so now is your chance to create mini-pictures of your favorite spots such as Sugar Loaf and the Winona Bridge. You will learn how to play with color, blending, and design during this one-of-a-kind virtual class.

Day/Dates: Thursdays, 1-2pm

Ages: 55+

Cost: $24 non-members, $22 for Winona Friendship Center Members, (includes all art supplies including a set of oil pastels, art paper, drawing pencil, paint pen, and more, & Winona Delivery or pick-up, Kits can be mailed in the US for an additional $10)*

Instructor: L. Douglas

Location: Online presented in real-time via Zoom (participants just need an internet connection and a device with the free version of Zoom downloaded)

*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from MSAB thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund. Need based scholarships are available.

Art in a Box: Playful Postcards

It's time to get creative and have a little fun sending and receiving colorful postcards. Each student will receive a special art kit to keep that includes everything you need to get started including blank postcards, stamps, colored pencils, dual tip markers, and weekly lesson plans. All you will be asked to do is to explore a new art technique then create and send a postcard a week to a Winona area classmate. Miss. Brianna will also check in with students throughout the program via a desired contact via digital platform or by phone which will be determined at a later date.

Day/Dates: Self-paced weekly project, June 1- July 18

Ages: 55+

Cost: $22 (includes all art supplies & Winona Delivery or pick-up)*

Instructor: B. Haupt

*Discounted fee thanks to the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation

Art Workshop in Partnership with Elder Network

by Jamie Schwaba | Jul 1, 2020 | Adult Programs, Events, Inclusive Arts, Older Adults (55+), Virtual & Distance Programs, Visual Arts Division | 0 Comments

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is thrilled to be partnering with Elder Network to offer an art workshop suitable for all family members, care givers, and care receivers to spend an hour together in their home creatively. This Intentional Doodling class will be interactive and run live through ZOOM. During this session students will explore using shapes, lines, and patterns to create artwork and even relax the mind.

Creative Aging Art in a Box Class

by Jamie Schwaba | May 15, 2020 | Adult Programs, Miscellaneous, Older Adults (55+), Virtual & Distance Programs, Visual Arts Division | 0 Comments

MCA is so excited to be continuing to offer unique programs geared towards adults ages 55+. During this home based class, each participant will get a package of supplies to create with over the 8-week period as well as guided lesson plans. However, unlike other DIY (Do-it-Yourself) art kits, students be sending and receiving postcards from other area residents and receiving check-ins by the instructor. Registrations can expect to learn new artistic techniques, be encouraged to set aside time to be creative, and feel more connected to others during this challenging time. Please see the description below for class details.

The First Driftless Dance Festival

by Jamie Schwaba | Feb 9, 2020 | Dance Division, Events, Family Programs, Inclusive Arts, Miscellaneous, Older Adults (55+), University Students at MCA | 0 Comments

We are so excited that The Driftless Dance Festival will be happening in Winona, March 27-29, 2020. This new Festival is presented by the Page Series. As a partner Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is so excited to be providing workshop space inside the Valencia Arts Center and to have a dancers performing in the local dance showcase on Sunday. Three of our instructors will be leading workshops: Raina Racki will be leading Hula, Alanna Pelowski will be teaching basic Irish, and Tammy Schmidt will be leading a 2 hour intermediate/advanced Ballet Class that also doubles as an audition for the 2020 Summer Dance Intensive and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Dance Scholarship. Additionally, MCA alumni will be involved; Renée Copeland will be teaching Yorchha and Jarod Boltjes will be performing with James Sewell Ballet.

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

Contact Us

HOURS

All in-person MCA programs and performances are cancelled through May 8, 2020 in a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phone calls and emails will be responded to during this time.

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.