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Art through the Ages

Brighton District Library, Brighton, MI

Project Director: Carla Sharp

Target Audience: Intergenerational (Teens and older adults)

Library Size: 25,000–100,000

Quote

“Art Through the Ages … contains all the necessary elements to be a success in any community. In a time of shrinking budgets, leveraging local resources is even more important. This program model illustrates cooperation, collaboration and community support; bridging schools, agencies, the arts, and local city government. The investment of staff time was very manageable. The beauty of this model is its ability of be scaled down with respect to space and time. Picturing America artwork helped illustrate the timelessness of artistic expression; the value of an inventive mind and the playfulness of the imagination. This program bridged generations, built relationships and rekindled artistic talent. Many discovered hidden abilities that built self-esteem and clarified future goals. Art Through the Ages presents a positive image of resource sharing and the value of the arts and public libraries in our local community.”

Program Summary

Art Through the Ages is an intergenerational, hands-on art program targeted to at-risk teens and elders who might otherwise lack access to high-quality art experiences and who might otherwise not use the library. The program provided fifteen at-risk teens and fifteen older adults with the chance to meet and be inspired by professional artists who shared their expertise and passion for art. Teens and elders participated in five hands-on art workshops held in the library, during which they created artwork inspired by Picturing America masterpieces. Instruction in collage, photography, quilting, clay sculpting, and painting was provided by local artists. Each teen worked beside an elder, and each teen/elder pair had an artist devoted to supporting them as they created individual art pieces.

Use of the Artwork

See below.

Programs and Ideas

• Acrylic painting workshop: In September 2010, John James Audubon’s American Flamingo (1838) was used as inspiration for exploring painting.

• Collage workshop: In October 2010, Romare Bearden’s The Dove (1964) was used as inspiration for exploring collage.

• Photography workshop: In November 2010, Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother (1936) was used as inspiration for exploring photography.

• Fiber arts workshop: In December 2010, Hannah and Emm Greenlee’s Crazy Quilt (1896) was used as inspiration for exploring textile art.

• Wire sculpture workshop: In January 2011, Hiram Powers’ Benjamin Franklin (1862) was used as inspiration for exploring sculpture.

• Art Walk: Art created by Art Through the Ages participants was displayed in the windows of local businesses to attract interest and celebrate community creativity. An ART WALK brochure was produced listing the locations of featured businesses and artwork.

• Exhibition: Art created by Art Through the Ages participants was displayed at the library for one month. This exhibit honored the collective talents of projects participants.

• Participant selection process: Library staff recruited at-risk teen and senior participants in the following ways, and then established random pairings for workshops:

• contacting school counselors for recommendations;

• inviting young adults from single parent families;

• inviting seniors with health issues and those who are isolated;

• contacting the local senior center’s director for recommendations;

• making information available for interested parties to pick up on their own, attracting others who felt drawn to workshop due to personal reasons.

• Partners and presenters:

• Three high school art instructors from Brighton Area Schools were workshop facilitators. They planned the program and presented background information on each masterpiece. All three assisted participants with technique and artistic application. Tools and materials were also loaned and donated for our use.

• Brighton Art Guild members planned and presented monthly workshops. They purchased supplies, set up our “art studio,” hung and dismantled art displays, and photographed our progress. Throughout this five month project, Guild members skilled in specific art mediums offered insight into artistic technique. Their background and experience was invaluable for the participants and the success of the project.

• Local businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores, donated lunch monthly for all participants. In addition, a local business allowed the display of art work in their store front. The City of Brighton CoBACH Center provided display space within their building as well.

Impact

“The program’s impact upon the Brighton District Library was extremely positive. … Participation in the project increased our visibility and positively expanded our role and perception within the Brighton community. This project strengthened and reinforced our position as a community cultural center. Networking and collaborative efforts solidified our relationship with Brighton Area Schools, Brighton Art Guild and local artists and the City of Brighton. These strong relationships have brought forth discussion of possible future art programs for adults, teens and children to be held at Brighton District Library. Displayed art and the excitement of participants brought new visitors and potential users into the Library. Feelings of goodwill and positive relationships were established between library staff and participants. Many participants are now Library supporters and card holders. The impact on the participants was both profound and life-changing. Lastly, the positive press coverage resulting from this arts project positioned us to be viewed as a progressive, collaborative and creative institution; enabling Brighton District Library to enhance its mission as a cultural and learning center of the community.”

The following comments are a sampling of comments directed toward the project:

• “This program had a very positive impact on my son’s life. To have a local program offered free that includes artists and senior citizens is exactly the kind of thing that develops community, culture and enrichment …” (Parent of a teen participant)

• “A person never gets too old to do something different. An older person needs to keep growing instead of stopping along the way.” (Elder participant, age 85)

• “It only takes a little study of an art form to have great appreciation for it.” (Teen participant)

• “I have gained so much! Each workshop has opened doors for further exploration.” (Teen participant)

• “When I stepped back and saw what I had created, I cried! I can’t express the joy … the exploding joyous recognition that I am an artist.” (Elder participant)

• “We’re not just about books and computers. We have so much to offer. We are expanding that role in the community.” (Library Staff)

• “The concept of pairing young and elders for this workshop series with our guild artists was brilliant. The guild artists were thrilled to be a part of Art Through the Ages.” (Former President of Brighton Art Guild)

• “I have made some wonderful new friends, many of them teens. I can’t wait to be on the sidelines cheering them on as they pursue their own path. They opened me up and made me feel young again.” (Elder participant)

• “I lost my grandparents when I was young, so it was nice to reconnect with that age group.” (Teen participant)

• “So much goodwill resulted from this collaboration, it has been invaluable.” (Librarian)

• “These workshops have influenced my decision for college. I now know that I would like to minor or even major in art.” (Teen participant)