Visual

"Therapeutic Art for the Older Adult"
During the spring 09 semester Aging Studies major Kasey Stevenson '10 led an art therapy group at Ithaca College’s Center for Life Skills (CLS). The program collaborates with Ithaca College students to provide therapy services for post-stroke individuals in the Ithaca area. In this group there was a great variety in the participants’ individual communication abilities and function. Kasey has written about her experience.

"Compared to the other group I led for seniors without trouble communicating, the CLS participants had much lower levels of inhibition while participating in the activities. They appeared eager and excited to participate in each of the projects. It seems that introducing older people with communication disorders to an alternative way of expressing themselves has the potential to greatly increase their self-confidence and social skills.

From my experience leading art therapy groups, I have come to understand that individuals with communication disorders, specifically older adults, will benefit more readily from art therapy than a person without these challenges. Art therapy introduces people with communication problems to a means of expression to use as an alternative to verbal communication. My observations leading art therapy groups have further substantiated my belief in the therapeutic power of artistic expression." Original art work created by CLS participants is on display at the Gerontology Institute.

Kasey Stevenson is the 2009-10 recipient of the Judi and Jay Linden Scholarship in Gerontology.

"Creativity Is Ageless" - Artwork by local community elders
The Linden Center, along with the Gerontology Institute, is featuring a series of artwork created by local artists over the age of 55. Currently featuring its third exhibit, these successful shows have brought dozens of people to the college to look at the artwork.

Our first show featured works created by a husband and wife, Richard and Annette Corth, currently residing at Longview. Annette's primary medium is watercolors, but she frequently combines them with pastels, ink, or collage. Richard has been involved with black and white photography since he received a Kodak Brownie box camera when he was twelve years old. His subject matter ranges from landscapes and portraits to still lifes and close-ups of inanimate objects, concentrating on design, pattern, and the play of light. 

The second exhibit at the Institute featured paintings created by artists in the water color classes held at Lifelong, Ithaca's senior center. Over 20 artists allowed us to show their work at this very popular exhibit.

The third and current show is named Quilts, an exciting exhibit of wonderful artwork created by talented quilters over age 55 from the Ithaca community.  Please visit the photo gallery to view selected works.

"How We Look: Images of Aging" - Student photo exhibit
The Linden Center sponsored a juried student photo exhibit that was featured at the Ithaca College Handwerker Gallery September through November 2007. First, second, and third place winners received cash prizes for their works.  Please visit the photo gallery to view selected entries.