A GOOD VINTAGE: TRENDS IN ARTS AND AGING PROGRAMS
CARA GOGER
MARIPOSA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
goger@mariposaartscouncil.org
www.mariposaartscouncil.org
209 966 3155
CONFLUENCE 2015 – A STATEWIDE ART CONVENING, APRIL 15-16, 2015 (Californians for the Arts)
The F/STOP photography program is aimed at Mariposa residents over the
age of 55 and is Mariposa County Arts Council’s first lifespan learning
program.
F/STOP consists of a series of free, 4-week digital photography classes
focused on the artistic elements of photography and is designed to promote
creativity, self-expression, and increase comfort with digital technology. The
culminating event is a multi-sited public exhibition (Arts Council’s gallery and
the Mariposa County Library) of the artwork created by participants. F/STOP
images are also heavily featured on the Arts Council’s tumblr page.
The Big Picture
Key Drivers
Population Demographics for Mariposa County
Key Drivers
Research on the Benefit of Creative Arts Programming for Older Adults
The Creativity and Aging Study (2006)
conducted by George Washington
University demonstrates that communitybased programs led by professional
artists “point to true health promotion and
disease prevention effects” (Gene D.
Cohen M.D., Ph.D., Primary Investigator.
The Center on Aging, Health and
Humanities, The George Washington
University.)
F/STOP Classes
Artist-inResidence/Curriculum
Introductory Class
• Vantage Points
• Composition
• Elements of Art
• Lighting
Intermediate Class
• Principles of Design
• Personal Project
Residential Facility Class
• Scaled Curriculum
Inspired Learning Framework
F/STOP’s program learning and social outcomes have been informed by the
Inspired Learning Framework model developed by the Museums, Libraries, and
Archives Council of the United Kingdom.
Generic Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge/Understanding and Skills
F/STOP participants develop photography and visual literacy skills.
Taking F/STOP classes was like
learning yoga. I may have exercised, I
may have breathed, but practicing yoga
with gentle guidance allowed me to relax
and appreciate. Now, when I take a
photo, I look for blank space, for
shadows and repetition, for texture, for
interesting shapes and layers and a new
perspective. I relax and appreciate.
F/STOP participant Chery Davis
Activity/Behavior/Progression and Enjoyment/Inspiration/
Creativity
F/STOP participants continue in art activities after participating in the program
Inspired Learning Framework
Generic Social Outcomes:
Stronger/Safer Communities, Health/Well Being, Strengthening
Public Life
[F/STOP]
was
a
wonderful
introduction
to
photographic
composition with the added bonus of
bringing together people in our ‘over
55’ community with shared interests.
The
instructor’s
warmth
and
openness inspired and challenged us
to view our surroundings in new
ways.
The
environment
was
supportive, nurturing and filled with
much laughter and innovation.
F/STOP Participant Caron Amos
Partnerships
• Local Health Care District
• County Library
• Local Senior Center
• Area 12 Agency on Aging
• Hospital Foundation
Sources/Resources
Cohen (2006) The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally
Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults. The National Endowment for
the Arts/The Center on Aging, Health and Humanities, The George
Washington University
Cohen et al. (2006) The Impact of Professionally Conducted Programs on the
Physical Health, Mental Health, and Social Functioning of Older Adults.
Gerontologist, Vol. 45, No. 6 (pp.726-734)
Hanna and Perlstein (2008) Creativity Matters: Arts and Aging in America.
Monograph/Americans for the Arts
Inspired Learning Framework, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (UK)
Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) Meet Me
National Center for Creativity and Aging