By: Joella Still, Volunteer Coordinator
Strategizing ways to stay connected during COVID-19 has become a priority for P.S. ARTS as we adjust to the new normal of social distancing, and it’s become clear that preparing all generations for virtual learning and virtual community experiences is critical. In the spirit of staying connected, and in partnership with the Eisner Foundation, P.S. ARTS has developed an arts wellness program for our volunteers ages 55+. While prioritizing their physical and mental health, the purpose of this program is to provide a way for our volunteers to stay engaged with our organization, the arts community, and each other.
The Studio is a free visual arts and movement program that takes place every Tuesday and every other Thursday. With a structure similar to our Classroom Studio program, The Studio is designed for participants to learn about artists and various art forms, and create art and movement pieces. As we work to decolonize our classrooms, curriculum, and programming across the organization, The Studio focuses on the needs and interests of our participants. This includes incorporating their personal song choices in our movement classes and expanding on their favorite techniques in visual arts.
The Studio is a free visual arts and movement program that takes place every Tuesday, and every other Thursday.
Our volunteers have engaged with choreography inspired by dancers such as Alvin Ailey and Katherine Dunham, and artists like Bisa Butler, while incorporating their own creative process. They have learned new ways to create visual arts pieces such as printmaking and making their own stamps. In our movement classes, Brain Dance and Mindfulness are an important part of how we start and end our classes.
Community and togetherness are extremely important during this time of social distancing, and what better way to stay connected than by making art. Thank you to the Eisner Foundation for supporting The Studio and our other intergenerational arts programs!
To sign up for a Studio class or learn more please click here.
