Free "Artist Sampler Sessions" for senior adults explores variety of mediums

Creating art does more than provide a creative outlet and a chance for social interaction. For senior adults, painting, drawing and even acting can improve one’s overall health and well being. Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, is presenting “The Artist Sampler Sessions,” a series of free art classes open to the senior adult community, beginning Thursday, March 5.

The project, in partnership with Community Programs in the Arts (COMPAS), is funded by the Small Sparks Grant, which was awarded to Covenant Village by the Golden Valley Community Foundation to promote lifelong learning and introduce visual arts, creative movement, storytelling and theater to the Golden Valley senior community.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, creating art – or art therapy – provides senior adults with a host of physical and psychological benefits, such as easing stress, pain, and loss; building confidence; and improving cognitive and motor skills. It also creates opportunities for senior adults to interact with others and learn something new.

“Art is a powerful and therapeutic activity for senior adults,” says Victoria Kendall, community relations coordinator at Covenant Village of Golden Valley. “The Artist Sampler Sessions will allow our residents and members of the Golden Valley community to explore their inner artist, socialize and have fun, all while experiencing the health benefits.”

Upcoming classes, all free of charge, include:

“A Mosaic Life – A Mosaic Story,” with Artist Anne Krocak, Thursday, March 5, 1-3 p.m.

Artist Anne Krocak will show participants how to create colorful, one-of-a-kind mosaic pieces using glass tile, beads buttons and personal mementos. Krocak has worked as an artist for 25 years and has a master’s in art education.

“Theatre Sampler,” with Artist Rhonda Lund, Wednesday, June 10, 1-3 p.m.

Participants will find their inner actor as they explore a variety of theater styles, including script reading from Radio Drama, improvisation exercises and theater games. Artist Rhonda Lund will guide participants as they perform using personal stories and experiences. Lund is a world traveler, actor and artistic director.

“Talking Suitcases™,” with Artist Susan Armington, Monday, Sept. 14, 1-3 p.m.

During this art and story project, participants will create a 3-D “Talking Suitcase” using wire, boxes, wood bits, sparkly Mylar and other materials. Armington is a roster artist for Minnesota State Arts Board and for COMPAS’ Writers and Artists in the Schools Program.

Classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited. To register, or for more information, contact Victoria Kendall at (763) 732-1525 or email VAKendall@CovenantRetirement.org. Covenant Village of Golden Valley is located at 5800 St. Croix Ave. N., Golden Valley, Minn., 55422.

About Covenant Village of Golden Valley

Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community, is located at 5800 St. Croix Ave. N., Golden Valley, Minn., 55422. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.