Vitality Arts at Mia
Mia’s Vitality Arts programs are five-week art-making workshops for adults 55 and older. These workshops, led by professional teaching artists, encourage older adults to tap into their creativity and connect with the museum’s collection. Past programs have included workshops in drawing, painting, performance, jewelry making, assemblage, street art, mural painting, and more.
Programming for older adults sparks creativity, creates lasting friendships, and celebrates older artists as vital to our community. While Mia collaborates with communities of older adults through these workshops, our staff are working in other ways too—through focus groups, staff and volunteer training, visitor evaluations, and advocacy work—to make Mia a more age-friendly museum.
The Vitality Arts Project for Art Museums, funded by E. A. Michelson Philanthropy, is a nationwide cohort of twenty-five museums working to provide meaningful arts programming for older adults “55 and better.” Vitality Arts at Mia started as a two-year program in 2022 and was extended for a third year in 2024.
Mia offers scholarships and sliding-scale ticket prices to accommodate all learners—and no experience is necessary. All materials are provided for the duration of the class. See current offerings, at left.
Testimonials
“It is difficult to fully capture how impactful and extraordinary this class has been for me. Community, expansion, expression of self and joy! I can simply say . . . you created an opening for my new creative life!”
—Intro to Drawing participant
“It was like we discovered something in us that was hidden before, skills that we didn’t even know we had.”
—Cultural Assemblage participant
Related Press
Mill City Times: “Mia’s Lifelong Learning Programs For Adults 55 and Over”
June 1, 2024
New Course
Exploring Pastels: Intro to Pastel Drawing
Join visual and teaching artist Sophia Weisensel in this hands-on workshop designed to introduce you to pastel drawing. Learn fundamental techniques, including creating expressive lines, blending, and layering.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the galleries and connect with Mia’s collection for inspiration. See how artists have used pastels throughout history, and gain a deeper appreciation for why pastel works are often referred to as paintings.
Wednesdays, 1:30–4 p.m.
January 8–February 5, 2025
See Vitality Arts in Action
55 and Better: Vitality Arts at Mia
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