Artful Elders: An Opportunity for Lifelong Learning

Each year the Newport Art Museum welcomes more than 200 seniors to participate in arts education programs. Classes are held at the Coleman Center for Creative Studies and through outreach programs to homebound seniors in nursing homes and residential living centers across Aquidneck Island. The Museum also offers on-site art appreciation days and art demonstrations at different locations and provides a wide range of topics for learning and discussion.

Judy Hambleton, the Museum’s Director of Education, coordinates the program. “Our elderly relatives and neighbors often experience economic hardship or health constraints that contribute to social isolation. Museum activities are directed toward all seniors, but particularly those who have been traditionally underserved. Our experience shows that arts enrichment programs clearly improve quality of life for so many of our participants.”

We encourage you to visit a Coleman Center studio, where you will find talented and enthusiastic potters, watercolorists and collage-makers at work. Artful Elders is sponsored by the Newport County Fund of The Rhode Island Foundation and the Jean Margaret Young Brown Fund.

I was not an artist before I started taking pottery
classes a few years ago. I really enjoy the classes
and I like to meet other people.
Try it! You might like it.

A message to elders from Hope McGuire,
91 years old

View all adult classes and workshops.. ..or telephone the Coleman Center at (401)848-2787.

Self expression is ageless, timeless

Janice Williams enjoys painting classes with Natalie.

It would be difficult to count the number of art classes Natalie Pfanstiehl, ASMA, ISMP has taught for the Newport Art Museum: she estimates at least one or two per quarterly session since 1981. Natalie’s classes focus on painting and she teaches students of all ages and levels of accomplishment, from beginners to advanced.

Many of Natalie’s older students came to her as novices. Natalie says, “One of the principal benefits of trying something new is it can help keep the mind young.” Classes are also a great way to meet people. “Everyone is very supportive of each other. Soon, we become not just a class but a group of friends.”

For students of any age, Natalie believes that making art is a wonderfully enriching experience. “Learning to express yourself can be a pure delight!”

Learn about art classes and workshops in Newport, Tiverton and Little Compton for people of all ages and abilities.