What age do you have to be to start creating amazing works of art? Can someone who never created an art piece before become an artist in his or her senior years? Encouraging older adults to take up the arts and express themselves is a natural fit for PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) focus on individual well-being.
Human Worth, it is the Mind and Spirit
In 1981, PMMA® featured resident art in the first Art is Ageless® calendar. The program was born out of PMMA’s desire to reaffirm “the agelessness of human creativity” and to actively demonstrate that “when it comes to human worth, it is the mind and spirit – not age – that counts.” These sentiments were expressed by former PMMA president, Rev. Thomas C. Wentz in the inaugural calendar.
We Encourage Creativity
Each year, PMMA campuses conduct a juried art competition for seniors age 65 and older. The winning pieces continue to be featured in a calendar and on notecards. Both the print and electronic versions of the calendar have been recognized by the Mature Media Awards, MarCom Awards, Health Care Marketing Awards and the Hermes Creative Awards.
Through the Art is Ageless experience, PMMA offers seniors a variety of artistic classes and programs. Many communities bring in local professional artists to work with residents. Other classes are started by residents and employees. Residents are encouraged to express their creativity, in whatever form it takes.
Learn more about Art is Ageless at ArtIsAgeless.org.