By J. Attridge, UMFA communications coordinator based on interview conducted by Laura Sharp Wilson, UMFA manager of studio programs
Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush or taking the opportunity to draw, participating in the arts makes our lives healthier and richer. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), “Abundant evidence shows that arts participation improves the emotional well-being of older adults, supports good health, strengthens social bonds, and brings a heightened experience of purpose and joy to our lives as we mature.” However, it’s all too common for older adults to have limited access to creative outlets, and to feel isolated. With this in mind, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is proud to be a source of Creative Aging programming in our community.
The UMFA’s Creative Aging program is part of a larger network throughout the state and the country. The UMFA’s program was established in 2022 with seed funding from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, the UMFA’s first Creative Aging workshops for adults over 55 began that fall and, with generous support from local funders, these classes continued through June 2025. Earlier this year, the UMFA was awarded yet another multi-year gift from Ellen Michelson, and we are delighted to share that the Museum will continue Creative Aging programs through July 2027! The Museum is incredibly grateful for this funding, and the art making and community building that it has made possible.
Led by UMFA manager of studio programs Laura Sharp Wilson, the UMFA has hosted Creative Aging workshops with instruction on mask making in the Vejigante tradition, painting with paper, drawing to live cello music, mandalas, mosaic, plein air painting, and so much more!
One recent multigeneration workshop at the UMFA, Creative Aging: Celebrate Your Elder, invited elders and their loved ones of younger generations to collaborate in art making and storytelling. Two participants, JoAn Criddle and her daughter Pam Criddle shared the impact of this program with Laura Sharp Wilson. Special moments for them included “laughing and remembering things” including JoAn sharing stories about her Christmas traditions growing up that Pam had never heard before.
Art has played a major role in JoAn and Pam’s lives. For JoAn, art making has taken many forms. In 1987 JoAn wrote a book, To Destroy You is No Loss: The Odyssey of a Cambodian Family, The Story of Teeda Butt Mam. When she was getting married JoAn wanted to make her own wedding cake, so she took classes to learn how, which included cake decorating. JoAn has since taught her children the art of cake decorating, which has been passed on to the next generation. JoAn’s granddaughter now decorates cakes. Along with cake decorating JoAn taught her children to design their homes, build furniture and create ceramics. JoAn inspired all of her four children to be creative, and Pam has always wanted to be an artist. She has had a career in visual merchandising, working for West Elm along with other companies. Some of Pam’s displays for West Elm included a huge macrame hanging along the front end of a cabin.
We at the Museum are so glad to have been a part of the Criddle’s continuing journey in art making. And more artists 55 and better have shared their experiences with Creative Aging at the UMFA, showing how invaluable this program is for elders in our community. Art is for everyone, and the Museum is so delighted to help illuminate the role of art in their lives.
“This class was fun, and I enjoyed trying my hand at different media. Mosaic and video media are new to me, so I learned something new.”
“Just keep meeting us where we are at in this creative journey.”
“Challenging, addicting, fascinating.”
“I was inspired to do homework and finish each project.”
“Reminded me of photography that I used to do and want to do again, inspired to make more greeting cards, less online messages.”
“Loved the freedom of this workshop – freedom to use individual insights – no rigid rules or “have to”.
“Wonderful, creative offering, thanks!”
“Enlightening, enriched my life, fun!”
“Keep offering all the different subjects you have been.”
“I love the classes I have had the opportunity to take here.”
“I appreciate how you encourage and cheer us on to tap into the artists within us.”
“I have truly enjoyed the “no pressure” and just have fun with it approach that you consistently remind us about. I hope to carry this attitude in all my future endeavors, especially when I start feeling the pressure to do it the right way or the only way.”
“You have and continue to help others open, invite and renew parts of themselves through the creative process. Such a significant and important gift to so many.”
“Winter is typically not an easy time for me as I miss my connection with the life in nature. But this year, due to mild winter and ease of walking, along with the creativity inspired by your 55+ class, I enjoyed winter at a new level. Creativity = Soul Connection, I have no doubt. I especially enjoyed experimenting with the different artist mediums. It reminded me of past times of creativity that I had lost touch with.”
Are you an artist 55 years old or better? Want to try your hand at a new skill in a Creative Aging workshop? Join us at the Museum this fall. The UMFA Creative Aging program is offering three workshops taught by guest artist educators: Offerings of Memory, Shibori, and Artist Mediums and Methods. In addition, there will be two workshops taught by Laura Sharp Wilson: Linoleum Prints and The Adorned Portrait. All skill levels are welcome.