How it began:

We were invited to participate as potential partners in Lifetime Arts’ Western States Creative Aging initiative. We partnered with the Montana Arts Council. MSL Staff explored rural communities as possible locations for seed projects by reaching out to library directors to gain interest. Patrons among the selected libraries were surveyed regarding their preference of art classes, and the Montana Arts Council identified teaching artists in these disciplines. 

5 Rural Montana libraries were selected for the project:

Medicine Spring Library, Browning - Photography with Jacob Cowgill

6 classes culminating in an exhibit

Rosebud County Library, Forsyth - Clay with Keely Perkins

7 classes culminating in an exhibit

Lincoln County Library, Eureka - Fiber Arts with Jemina Watstein

8 classes culminating in an art show and opening celebration

Havre-Hill Library, Havre - Poetry Writing with Charles Finn

6 classes culminating in a printed anthology

Glasgow City-County Library, Glasgow - Writing class with Tess Fahlgren

6 classes culminating in a public reading

Participant feedback:

“Writing…stimulated my imagination, gave me a new perspective and built up my self confidence . I would say we built a community of fledgling writers.” 

“Even though I have lived here for 30 years and know these people when I see them in the grocery store, it was more like an acquaintance. it is really nice to be in an art making space with them. I did not know that art was an interest for them and now we have something in common.”

“This class has been so good for me. It gives me motivation to get out of the house and be here. I look forward to coming.”

“Thank you so much for sponsoring these classes around our state for those of us over 60! What a gift!” 

”I enrolled because I wanted to spark my creative side, long dormant and maybe even dead! 

I now have the desire to document noteworthy events in my life, passing on a priceless gift to my children and grandchildren.”

 

What is next for Creative Aging in Montana?

We will be meeting to discuss our options in the coming year. Arts programming like this depends on many factors including library interest, patron interest, funding and available/interested artists. We will post more information here as we assess the possibilities for the next step in this program.