Models at the Lake Huron Woods fashion show included a wonderful blend of residents, staff, and community members
For the past year, Creative Spark has been beta testing our e-learning version of Explore Academy with Resident Service Coordinators (RSCs) from affordable housing communities in Michigan and Maryland thanks to an Innovation Award from the Thome Foundation. We have supported the RSCs through learning the fundamentals of creative aging, balancing service with self-care, developing new creative aging programming with their residents, executing that programming, and finally bringing together their residents’ art into a beautiful exhibition and celebration called Aging Beautifully, Living Boldly.
Residents gathered with staff to craft fairy light jars and other Creative Spark inspired projects leading up to the event
Resident Sandra, who loves to paint, contributed one of her artworks along with her poetry.
At another community, RSC Cayla organized a portrait photo shoot for her residents that resulted in gorgeous pictures, but also a strong sense of connection as the residents supported each other in being seen and celebrated at any age.
Ultimately, the work of six communities was brought together in a traveling art exhibit: Aging Beautifully, Living Boldly.
The first showing of Aging Beautifully, Living Boldly included a fashion show sponsored by local community partner Suzanne’s with models including residents, staff, and community members.
Art making at the culminating event! Participants were encouraged to focus on joy and create a joy sigil on paper that will be added to our Interconnected Evolution Gallery Takeover Exhibit in 2027.
Ultimately, joy and connection were felt across roles and generations as residents, staff members, and even board members came together to celebrate the creativity of community.
This is just the beginning as Aging Beautifully, Living Boldly makes it way to more communities across Michigan with the support of Creative Spark. This first iteration completely affirmed our experience that, when people feel seen and celebrated, joy and creative confidence follow.