Aging Creatively Guided Conversation in the Gallery - April

TOTAL COST: Free
(Funding is provided through The Olympic Area Agency on Aging.)

DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025
TIME: 1:00PM – 2:00PM PST
LOCATION: Jeanette Best Gallery, 701 Water St., Port Townsend. 

Important: This course is limited to individuals diagnosed with memory loss and their caregivers. 

One spot covers enrollment for two people: This is not a respite program. Individuals experiencing memory loss must be accompanied by their caregiver.

DESCRIPTION
Northwind Art, alongside the Olympic Area Agency on Aging, is thrilled to offer a series of workshops intended for folks experiencing memory loss, along with their caregivers.

The Aging Creatively guided gallery conversations provide a unique opportunity for individuals experiencing memory loss, and their caregivers, to connect through art and shared storytelling. These guided tours, led by experienced instructor Jodi Ericksen, are held once a month at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend. These sessions encourage participants to explore current exhibits in a welcoming environment. Based on the Creative Aging program created by the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, through art classes and guided conversations in a gallery setting, we seek to foster connection, creativity, and cognitive engagement, enriching the lives of the people who participate.

Facilitators lead engaging discussions that spark memory recall, personal reflection, and meaningful conversation. Through guided observation and open-ended prompts, participants are invited to share their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences related to the artwork. To further enhance creative engagement, each session includes a simple drawing prompt inspired by the exhibit, allowing participants to express their ideas visually in a relaxed and supportive setting.

With light refreshments provided, the inspiring gallery atmosphere fosters cognitive engagement, strengthens social connections, and enhances overall well-being. No prior art knowledge is required—just an open mind and a willingness to explore and create together.

Join us on the second Monday of each month for an enriching and uplifting experience that celebrates creativity, conversation, and self-expression through art. 

Click HERE to see all Aging Creatively course listings in one place.

Advance registration is required.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
All materials are provided.

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT JODI
Jodi Ericksen is a local artist who in recent years has specialized in block printing, while also enjoying mixed media, collage, water color, oil pastels, acrylics, fiber arts and more. Her work stems from the soul, and she believes art comes from the places within us without words. She views the expression of art as an act of simply setting our minds free, as well as a place to connect with and release feelings and emotions. In addition to her work as an artist, she is also a mother, a massage therapist, and a graduate student in Seattle University’s Licensed Mental Health Counseling master's program. Her future intention is to work with clients by utilizing talk, somatic, and art therapies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.