Aging Up Community Center is excited to announce that it has received a grant from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) to bring free, high-quality arts programming to older adults in the community. This funding will support the upcoming “Communicating Through Watercolors” program, a seven-week watercolor painting series led by local artist Molly Boatman.
The program will offer participants the opportunity to learn watercolor techniques, explore creative expression, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. Classes will be held Fridays at 10 a.m. from October 4 through November 15, with an open house gallery showcase on November 16 at 4 p.m. at the Aging Up Community Center, located at 717 North Nelson Avenue, Wilmington. Supplies will be provided at no cost, and preference will be given to participants aged 65 and older.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio Arts Council for supporting this initiative,” said Shane Breckel, Senior Services Director. “We know that creative expression is a powerful way to support mental well-being and social engagement in older adults, and we’re excited to bring this opportunity to our community.”
The Ohio Arts Council recently approved a record $22.7 million in grants to expand arts access across Ohio, with a focus on community engagement and underserved populations. This grant will allow the Aging Up Community Center to bring professional arts programming to local seniors at no cost, reinforcing its commitment to lifelong learning and creative enrichment.
The program will be led by Molly Boatman, a local artist who was recently trained through the Ohio Arts Council’s “Creative Aging Ohio Initiative”. Her experience and passion for teaching will guide participants through the fundamentals of watercolor painting, helping them build confidence and explore their creativity.
Community members who are interested in participating in the “Communicating Through Watercolors” program can sign up at http://clintoncap.org or contact Shane Breckel at [email protected]
