JOHNSON CITY, TN - Johnson City Public Library has once again received a grant from Aroha Philanthropies through their national initiative to bring hands-on fine arts education opportunities to adults age 55 and up. Johnson City Public Library was among the first cohort of grantees in 2017 to partner with Aroha Philanthropies in this effort designed to support the development and expansion of Artful Aging programs across the United States.
Aroha Philanthropies' grant supports the library's second year of the Artful Aging program throughout 2018. This library program will feature prominent local teaching artists in a series of eight- to 10-week long workshops, in such disciplines as sculpture, photography, storytelling, theater improvisation, creative movement and Afro-Caribbean drumming. The library will provide all necessary materials.
Workshop space will be limited; selection will be by a random draw of registrants. All interested adults 55 years and up in the Johnson City region are encouraged to register by calling 423-434-4454. Previous arts experience is not required; a commitment to attend all class sessions will be emphasized. Johnson City Public Library is committed to diversity and strongly encourages persons of all ethnicities, genders, and physical abilities to participate. Participants will encounter a remarkable opportunity for personal and artistic growth, led by highly qualified and talented professional teaching artists.
Librarian Lisa Williams says that "Johnson City Public Library is honored to receive this important grant for a second year. This funding will support our community arts enthusiasts and allow Johnson City Public Library to make substantial contributions to a growing national movement. With our older population growing much faster than any other, the benefits of skilled and creative participation in the arts are many and crucial to our nation's public health."
Artful Aging programs inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging. Their work is driven by "teaching artists whose creative process and understanding of older adults bring joy, connection, improved health and well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose to older adults in community and residential settings."
For more information about upcoming workshop dates, check the library's website at www.jcpl.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. To learn more about Aroha Philanthropies and its arts initiatives, visit arohaartfulaging.org.
For more information, contact Lisa Williams at 423-434-4356 or lwilliams@jpcl.net.
