Lifelong Learning is goal for adult art classes series: first up, Printmaking

Lifelong learning is the rationale behind the new series of art classes being offered through the Union County Heritage Museum beginning in April.

“It is accepted that to thrive, one has to keep learning,’ said Director Jill Smith. “The classes, which begin in April and continue to May, are targeted toward lifelong learners age 55 and above and are designed to provide the opportunity to acquire new sets of skills.”

The goals for the classes are to provide a socially engaging environment as well as intellectually stimulating, and, of course, fun.” said Smith. “We know that there are numerous personal benefits to social engagement and learning new skills and the goal of these classes are to do both,” she said.

Made possible by a grant from Aroha Philanthropies – Seeding Vitality Arts in partnership with the museum, there are specific goals for the lifelong learning classes for seasoned adults:
• Purpose and meaning,
• Reduction in social isolation,
• Improved physical and emotional wellbeing and
• JOY!

This new initiative addresses the urgent need to change the narrative about what it means to grow old in America. The New Albany museum is one of 20 museums from across the United States that will participate in Aroha’s “Seeding Vitality Arts in Museums” grant initiative.

Members of this diverse group of museums, hailing from Alaska to Puerto Rico, are developing and implementing high-quality, intensive arts learning opportunities for older adults.

Classes will be priced to be affordable. There are options for payment including a sliding scale and scholarships. The underwriting for the classes and instructors by Aroha Philanthropies and the Union County Heritage Museum is to make the classes available to anyone who would like to participate.

Lifelong Learning art classes details

The classes are designed to teach specific skills through multiple sessions relating to the topic. “We have an exciting series of sessions planned for a “Journey into Printmaking” based on a nature theme using the William Faulkner Literary Garden,” Smith said. Taught by teaching artist Rebecca Browning of New Albany, the sessions will feature linoleum block print making, textile print making, Gyotaku (Japanese art of fish prints) Printing, and Mono Printing.

Classes will be taught at the Art House, located adjacent to the museum at 205 Highland Street, New Albany.

The classes are limited to 20 individuals, and the hope is that the same 20 individuals who start the classes will want to finish together and participate in the exhibit which will follow at the end of May.

Two other lifelong learning classes sessions related to the grant will follow later in the year. There will be eight pottery sessions and, following that, sessions on memoir writing.

For more information: contact the museum at 662-538-0014, email jill@ucheritagemuseum.com, see museum’s Facebook page or go to the website www.ucheritagemuseum.com.