PMAC’s Creative Aging Program continues to thrive, offering free, dynamic visual arts programming for adults aged 65 and older. These engaging classes provide opportunities for older adults to connect socially, express themselves creatively, and enhance their quality of life through the arts.
Creative Aging Spring 2025 Offerings: Explore Collage/Zine-Making and Monoprinting
This spring, PMAC offers two exciting visual arts opportunities for participants:
- Collage and Zine-Making
This class combines collage, drawing, and writing, guiding participants through the fundamentals of bookbinding. Participants will create personalized booklets that can be kept, gifted, or traded.- Time: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Monoprinting
Participants will explore the art of hand-printing images using plant materials, layers of color, and water-based inks. This playful and experimental class is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.- Time: Thursdays, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Participants can choose between two 6-week sessions:
- Session 1: February 6 – March 20
- Session 2: April 3 – May 15
Both classes are led by PMAC teaching artist Jade Ruscio, with all materials provided. To register, visit pmaconline.org/music-art-programs/ or call 603-431-4278.
The Impact of Creative Aging
Artistic expression and social engagement are key to overall wellbeing. These classes provide not only a creative outlet but also an opportunity to form meaningful connections with peers. In Rockingham County nearly 20% of residents are ages 65 or older, making social isolation among older residents a pressing regional issue. Recent studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of loneliness, equating its impact to that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
PMAC is committed to helping older adults lead healthy, vibrant, and creative lives. In addition to visual arts, the Creative Aging program supports a tiered discounted tuition model for participants over 65, ensuring affordability and accessibility:
- Ages 65+: 50% tuition reduction
- Ages 70+: 75% tuition reduction
- Ages 75+: Free tuition in perpetuity
The Creative Aging program is supported by the Foundation for Seacoast Health.
