Intergenerational Art Space is inclusive and vibrant
A “vibrant and inclusive haven” that provides a creative outlet for people of all ages has opened its doors at a local art gallery.
The Intergenerational Art Space is the brainchild of Kimberley Fisher, education officer at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. She is running the weekly sessions.
The classes are open to anyone who has spare time to nurture their creative talent and make meaningful connections.
Ms Fisher said that before she started the class, Kendra Earls, Masterworks’ former education officer, was doing an Action on Alzheimer’s and Dementia art class and that the clients would come in with their caretakers and she would do a class with them.
“I started looking at who needs creative space and wondered if I could break down the age barrier.
“We had the clients in the AAD programme, but there are also people at Age Concern who are retired and who want to do so much with their community. We have stay-at-home parents who don’t have much to do with their toddlers all day, we have home-schooled children and others who don’t necessarily fit into the traditional 9-to-5 work or school system.
“All of these people that like to get out and meet other people.”
Ms Fisher said she was inspired to create an intergenerational space after living in the Netherlands, where there is mixed-age housing communities.
“When I was in the Netherlands, I learnt about intergenerational housing projects and there was a sense of community,” she recalled.
“People found their relationships based on who they were working with — people were accepted based on what they wanted to bring to that space.”
Ms Fisher added: “It made me think, is there a real age barrier when it comes to art?”
“It is so special to see the older generation with the younger generation, how they observe the children, check in and show them their work. It is really sweet when they do interact and you can see everyone supporting each other.
“One toddler was running around showing everyone his work.”
The sessions take place every Friday from 10am till noon (except October 27) until December 1 at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Arts classroom in the Botanical Gardens.
The two-hour classes are $25 for non-members and $15 for members, which covers the cost of materials. There are a maximum of eight participants per class to ensure “individualised attention and a supportive environment”.
For those requiring support, care partners must be in attendance, but need not register their details or pay the fee.
Basic art supplies are provided, but participants are welcome to bring any additional materials with them. The sessions are loosely based around the different art practices being used in the classroom.
Ms Fisher added: “I’m trying to bring a variety of materials to the classes — we do collage, painting, printing … we have a loose prompt, but it’s about experimenting, and not being afraid to do something creative.
“Last week we used alcohol inks, and it was really fun. The week before, it was mosaics with paper. We get messy and have fun.”
For more information about the Intergenerational Art Space, visit Masterworks’ website.
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