Editor:

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Indiana Arts Commission and the Brown County Art Gallery Foundation for their support in launching our creative aging workshop. This program would not be possible without the vision of Board President Lyn Letsinger Miller, the assistance of Miah Michaelsen from the Indiana Arts Commission, our amazing instructor Amanda Mathis, creative chef Robert Marani, the staff at the gallery, our wonderful volunteers (Brenda Kelley & Dan Waldheir), and our newfound family/participants.

Our goal was to create a program where seniors in our community could come together, find purpose, and combat the isolation and loneliness that COVID, other situations whether health or otherwise has left them feeling isolated and alone. A $10,000 grant awarded through the Indiana Arts Commission allowed us to fulfill this goal.

In January 2024 we advertised the start of “make art make friends” a creative aging experience for seniors 55 and older, within a week we were fully booked for all four Months of sessions with a long waitlist for each month. Due to such an overwhelming response from the community. The Gallery Foundation Board subsidized the program to accommodate more participants, but we still could not fill the need for everyone.

The program spanned over four months of professional art sessions with each month focusing on a specific theme/area of study. All supplies and lunch were included. Transportation was provided through our local Brown County Access for participants who needed this service.

At the end of the program a celebratory Exhibition/ Reception was held to showcase the participants’ work. It was a wonderful event with around 100 people in attendance. Our goal is to continue this program for years to come. We are currently working on ways to sustain this program and strengthen our role in the community.

Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and dedication in keeping the arts alive and supporting this creative aging program in our community.

I look forward to seeing and working with everyone soon,

Kimoy Bennett

Assistant/Project Manager

Brown County Art Gallery