MAPLEWOOD, NJ — SeniorStudio has just completed its second year in partnership with the Maplewood Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, providing a free, quality studio art painting program for seniors in the community
In just two years, SeniorStudio has had an enrollment of more than 70 students, with an average age of 75.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to provide classes that encourage seniors to gain a new skill and tap into their creativity,” Senior Program Director Michelle Wesley said.
This fall, for the first time, a second class was offered to accommodate the large number of seniors who were interested in participating. Feedback from students indicated that most were looking forward to continuing their art training.
“We were happy that the SeniorStudio program could be expanded this fall and we are now planning to offer two classes, beginner and advanced, in the spring and fall of 2018,” Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Melissa Mancuso said.
Dan Kaslow, local resident and creator of SeniorStudio, added: “We are very appreciative of not only the continuing financial support we have gotten from the Rec Department, but also the active assistance from the staff.”
SeniorStudio is a Maplewood-based private non-profit organization started in 2014 with the mission of creating art courses with a curriculum specifically designed for seniors. Classes include eight weekly studio art lessons, each lasting two hours, and trips to local museums and galleries.
All students complete a frame-worthy major final art project reflecting their instruction in all the elements of drawing and painting. The class is taught by Lauren Kaiser of Montclair, a painter and experienced arts educator. The final class includes a personalized critique of each student’s artwork.
“One indication of the success of the SeniorStudio course is the fact that almost every student this semester rated the course and teacher as excellent and indicated they would recommend the course to a friend,” Cathy Rowe of SOMA Two Towns said.
Photos Courtesy of Dan Kaslow
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