A Good vintage: Trends in Arts and Aging programs

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A Good vintage Trends in Arts and Aging programs

• C A R A G O G E R
• M A R I P O S A C O U N T Y A R T S C O U N
  C I L
• goger_at_mariposaartscouncil.org
• www.mariposaartscouncil.org
• 209 966 3155

CONFLUENCE 2015 A STATEWIDE ART CONVENING,
APRIL 15-16, 2015 (Californians for the Arts)
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The F/STOP photography program is aimed at
Mariposa residents over the age of 55 and is
Mariposa County Arts Councils first lifespan
learning program. F/STOP consists of a series of
free, 4-week digital photography classes focused
on the artistic elements of photography and is
designed to promote creativity, self-expression,
and increase comfort with digital technology.
The culminating event is a multi-sited public
exhibition (Arts Councils gallery and the
Mariposa County Library) of the artwork created
by participants. F/STOP images are also heavily
featured on the Arts Councils tumblr page.
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The Big Picture
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Key Drivers
Population Demographics for Mariposa County
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Key Drivers
Research on the Benefit of Creative Arts
Programming for Older Adults
The Creativity and Aging Study (2006) conducted
by George Washington University demonstrates that
community-based programs led by professional
artists point to true health promotion and
disease prevention effects (Gene D. Cohen M.D.,
Ph.D., Primary Investigator. The Center on Aging,
Health and Humanities, The George Washington
University.)
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F/STOP Classes

• Artist-in-Residence/Curriculum
• Introductory Class
• Vantage Points
• Composition
• Elements of Art
• Lighting
• Intermediate Class
• Principles of Design
• Personal Project
• Residential Facility Class
• Scaled Curriculum

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Inspired Learning Framework
F/STOPs program learning and social outcomes
have been informed by the Inspired Learning
Framework model developed by the Museums,
Libraries, and Archives Council of the United
Kingdom. Generic Learning Outcomes
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Skills
F/STOP participants develop photography and
visual literacy skills.
Taking F/STOP classes was like learning yoga. I
may have exercised, I may have breathed, but
practicing yoga with gentle guidance allowed me
to relax and appreciate. Now, when I take a
photo, I look for blank space, for shadows and
repetition, for texture, for interesting shapes
and layers and a new perspective. I relax and
appreciate. F/STOP participant Chery Davis
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Activity, Behavior, and Progression
F/STOP participants continue in art activities
after participating in the program
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Inspired Learning Framework
Generic Social Outcomes
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Stronger and Safer Communities
Participants in F/STOP engage in strong
inter-group dialogue through discussion and
critique that respects person points of view and
cultural expression
F/STOP was a wonderful introduction to
photographic composition with the added bonus of
bringing together people in our over 55
community with shared interests. The instructors
warmth and openness inspired and challenged us to
view our surroundings in new ways. The
environment was supportive, nurturing and filled
with much laughter and innovation. F/STOP
Participant Caron Amos
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Partnerships

• Local Health Care District
• County Library
• Local Senior Center
• Area 12 Agency on Aging
• Hospital Foundation

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Sources/Resources
Cohen (2006) The Creativity and Aging Study The
Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural
Programs on Older Adults. The National Endowment
for the Arts/The Center on Aging, Health and
Humanities, The George Washington
University Cohen et al. (2006) The Impact of
Professionally Conducted Programs on the Physical
Health, Mental Health, and Social Functioning of
Older Adults. Gerontologist, Vol. 45, No. 6
(pp.726-734) Hanna and Perlstein (2008)
Creativity Matters Arts and Aging in America.
Monograph/Americans for the Arts Museum of
Modern Arts (MoMA) Meet Me National Center for
Creativity and Aging