Creative Aging Programming Supported at 36 Libraries Across Indiana

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today that 36 libraries have received training and grant funding through Lifelong Arts Indiana, a program that promotes arts and creativity services for adults ages 65 and older. Each library will receive up to $5,000 to host programming for older adults, supported by the Indiana Arts Commission in partnership with the Family and Social Services Administration. 

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s project, “Sheep to Cloth” with Peggy Taylor, will introduce the fundamentals of weaving to a group of seniors at the library. Led by fiber artist Peggy Taylor, participants will explore natural fibers and the ins and outs of wool dyeing and will create a finished woven piece. 

The Frankfort Community Public Library will host "Discover the Art of Handmade Papermaking" in which patrons will be introduced to the timeless craft of papermaking. Led by artist Terry Lacy, participants will delve into the world of papermaking by creating their own paper and learning how to use colored paper pulp to make a work of art within the medium. 

The full list of libraries receiving funding, and the projects they will support is as follows: 

• Anderson Public Library, Madison County, "Creative Aging: Art Workshop for Older Adults"
• Batesville Memorial Public Library, Ripley County, “Creative Aging: Life Drawing”
• Brown County Public Library, Brown County, “The Ukulele O.W.L.'s - Beginning Ukulele for Older, Wiser Learners”
• Brownsburg Public Library, Hendricks County, “Culture & Canvas Course”
• Brownstown Public Library, Jackson County, “Story Telling Pottery for a Meal”Clinton Public Library, Vermillion County, “Masterful Artistry: Clinton Seniors Edition”
• Crown Point Community Library, Lake County, “Aging Creatively: A Story Montage”
• Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Vanderburgh County, “Sheep to Cloth with Peggy Taylor”
• Frankfort Community Public Library, Clinton County, “Discover the Art of Handmade Papermaking”
• Franklin County Public Library District, Franklin County, “Art Leather After”
• Fulton County Public Library, Fulton County, “Playing with Clay”
• Garrett Public Library, De Kalb County, “EngAGE with the Arts!”
• Huntington City-Township Public Library, Huntington County, “Madrigal Feast”
• Hussey Mayfield Memorial Public Library, Boone County, “Rhythm of Life - Creative Aging Drumming Program”
• Jackson County Public Library, Jackson County, “Silver Shoes Dance Class”
• Jefferson County Public Library, Jefferson County, “Silver Ceramics”
• Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, Howard County, “Celebrating Community through Story Portraits”
• Linden Carnegie Public Library, Montgomery County, “Classic Creators”
• Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, St. Joseph County, “Colorful Creations”
• Monticello-Union Township Public Library, White County, “Art Harmony: Connecting with Your Loved One Through Art”
• Morgan County Public Library - Main Branch, Morgan County, “Filling Our Stories with Color”
• North Manchester Public Library, Wabash County, “Storytelling with Pottery and Miniature Memories Workshop”
• Pike County Public Library, Pike County, “Brushes and Beyond: Art Adventures for the Young at Heart”
• Pulaski County Public Library, Pulaski County, “Golden Experiences for Creative Aging”
• Remington Carpenter Township Public Library, Jasper County, “Exploring Fiber Art and Painting”
• Roachdale-Franklin Township Public Library, Putnam County, “Telling your Story”
• South Whitley Community Public Library, Whitley County, “Ageless Expressions: Artistic Journey”
• St. Joseph County Public Library Foundation, Inc., St. Joseph County, “Golden Threads: Fiber Arts Workshop and Back to Basics: An Exploration of Painting”
• Thorntown Public Library, Boone County, “Connecting with Art at The Sugar Creek Art Center”
• Tyson Library Association, Ripley County, “Macrame with Mia”
• Vernon Township Public Library, Hancock County, “Art Expressions”
• Vigo County Public Library, Vigo County, “Life Threads: Crafting Your Story in Felt and Fired Up: Unleash Your Creativity in Ceramics”
• Warsaw Community Public Library, Kosciusko County, “Fun with Theatre”
• Westfield Washington Public Library, Hamilton County, “Harp Exploration with Melissa Gallant of Tuneful Harps” and “Sizzling with the Steelband: An interactive exploration of the Steel Drum”
• Westville-New Durham Twp Public Library, La Porte County, "Exploring Watercolors for Older Adults”
• Whiting Public Library, Lake County, “Express Your Story!”

Participating libraries were identified through a partnership with the Indiana State Library and were offered an opportunity to attend a training on creative aging best practices and apply for an early action grant to deploy their learnings in their own communities. 

Funded programming will take place between June 1, 2024 and December 13, 2024. Learn more about each of the projects being funded around the state.