About the Program
Creative Aging in Montana brings professional teaching artists to rural libraries, creating vibrant spaces where older adults can explore creativity, build community, and combat isolation through meaningful engagement over a series of skill-building workshops.
Why Creative Aging Matters
The Health Crisis of Isolation: Social isolation is a serious health concern. Research shows that chronic loneliness and isolation can shorten life expectancy by 15 years and significantly increase the risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, and other serious medical conditions.
The Montana Challenge: Montana's rural geography compounds these risks. Geographic distance, limited transportation, and fewer community gathering spaces make it difficult for older adults to connect with others. Libraries serve as trusted, accessible community hubs perfectly positioned to address this need.
The Solution: Through collaboration between state agencies, local organizations, libraries, and artists, this initiative expands arts-based programming to enrich the lives of older adults across Montana--from cities, to rural and Tribal communities. We're increasing opportunities for social connection, improving health outcomes, and demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of creativity as we age.
How Creative Aging Works
Skill Building Over Time: Our programs are designed to develop artistic abilities through intentional, step-by-step instruction over a series of classes. This isn't just doing art, it's learning and creative growth. Participant build confidence and skills progressively, experiencing the satisfaction of genuine artistic development.
Expert Teaching Artists: This program relies on partnerships with teaching artists. These professionals blend artistic practice with teaching to create impactful learning experiences that honor both the creative process and the individual learner.
Community Connection: Creative aging programs reduce social isolation by providing opportunities for meaningful connection and interaction. Through group critique, creativity exercises that encourage sharing, and working in pairs or small groups, participants form friendships, build community, and discover new connections with people who share their creative interests.
What Participants Experience
Creative aging work addresses isolation and loneliness while giving people confidence and positive experiences with creating. Participants discover:
- Skill Development: Progressive learning that builds artistic abilities over time
- Social Connection: Friendships and community bonds formed through shared creative experiences
- Confidence Building: The satisfaction of creating something meaningful and developing new capabilities
- Health Benefits: Improved mental and physical wellbeing through creative engagement and social interaction
- Meaningful Engagement: A catalyst for conversations and connections among community members
Who Can Participate?
Any seniors in Montana with a participating library in their community. No experience necessary--just curiosity and a willingness to explore your creative side in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Whether you've been creating all your life or haven't picked up a paintbrush since childhood, these workshops meet you where you are. Our skilled artists create spaces where everyone feels comfortable experimenting, learning, and growing.
Join us to rediscover your creativity, make new friends, and become part of a vibrant community of fellow artists and storytellers.
Voices From Our Program
Hear from participants who discovered new passions, built community, and rediscovered their creative spirit:
"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."
"The series with Annie Allen was Fantastic! Her positive energy and teaching style were wonderful for someone like me who has had very little art instruction."
What's Next for Creative Aging?
Arts programming like this depends on many factors including library interest, patron interest, funding, and available artists. We're actively expanding this program to reach more communities across Montana.
