Westfield Library Awarded Two Grants to teach Senior Art Classes

(January 24, 2024) The Westfield Memorial Library is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of two grants to fund a new series of visual arts workshops for senior citizens.

This year-long series of art instruction workshops is made possible by funds from the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library, and the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Visual Arts for Seniors was developed through a new partnership between the library and the Westfield Art Association. Additional promotional support will be provided by Lifelong Westfield and the Westfield Regional Health Department. The workshops are intended for senior citizens aged 65 and older, and no previous artistic experience is required.

President of the Art Association Darrin Owens said, “Creating art allows us to express and challenge ourselves while maintaining focus on the here and now, regardless of our age. Plus, creating art is fun, and completing a project gives us a sense of achievement. We hope that this program will allow seniors to enhance their cognitive skills and enjoy a community experience in a class with other seniors.

“We have very talented teachers who are artists themselves,” he continued. “They see the world like an artist, with an open mind and full attention, and they love to share their passion with others. Beginners often feel self-conscious or "not good enough" to create art. Our teachers know that all art comes from inside the artist, and they will use their patience and passion to help the seniors feel comfortable so they can enjoy the process.”

The first workshop, which will be held on Sunday, February 4 at the library between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., will be Landscape Painting with Acrylic Paint, taught by NJ-based artist and photographer Mariya Kovalyov. Students will learn about the unique properties of acrylic paint, how to utilize a reference photo, and the best approaches to creating a landscape painting.

Mariya, a local graduate of Rutgers University, teaches multimedia art. She has also illustrated children’s books and participated in public art exhibits and local art shows. Mariya currently teaches art and art history and is pursuing her master’s in art education.

The rest of the landscape painting series takes place on Sundays from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on February 18, March 3, and March 17. Visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/ to register, sign up for a library card, or learn more about the library’s resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Currently library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.