This program is made possible by
the Haven Foundation.
SPARK Creative Aging Program
What is the SPARK Creative Aging Program?
Florence Thomas Art School partners with aging services locations (Generations Ashe and Forest Ridge Assisted Living) to bring art engagement workshops to older adults in Ashe County. Professional teaching artists and Florence Thomas Art School staff lead interactive creative workshops to provide vital opportunities for social connection and self expression that combat social isolation as we age. This program was piloted in 2023 with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council; the program was relaunched in 2025.
What is creative aging?
Creative aging refers to research-driven art-based programs that inspire creativity and joy, promote vital social connections, and preserve agency and dignity for older adults. Creative aging programs support the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of older adults by engaging them (and their care partners) in interactive art experiences led by trained educators or professional teaching artists.
Why are we passionate about this program?
Access to art helps us in every stage of life. Art provides us with ways to connect with one another, deepen our understanding of the world, and improve our self-esteem. Bringing creative aging programs to Ashe County helps combat views of aging as a wholly negative experience and aligns with our vision of a community where art experiences are accessible to all.
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2025 Program
Generations Ashe
Community members can join us every first Monday of the month in 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm for a creative aging session. Contact Generations Ashe to register (336-246-2461).
Forest Ridge Assisted Living
Residents of Forest Ridge Assisted Living and their loved ones can join us every second Wednesday of the month in 2025 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm for a creative aging session.
Volunteer with us!
Want to get involved with the SPARK Creative Aging Program? We'd love to have you volunteer with us! Contact Director of Community Engagement Samantha Oleschuk (samantha.ftas@gmail.com) for more information.
More Creative Aging Work!
With funding from AARP NC's Mountain Region, Florence Thomas Art School assembled 240 Creativity Kits for Recovery and Resilience to support emotional healing and well-being in the wake of Hurricane Helene. 85 kits were delivered through Generations Ashe's Home Delivered Meal Program and the remaining kits were sent to Polk County for distribution through the Polk Senior Center.
