New Worlds Open at the Artist’s Easel
Submitted by Steve on March 19, 2014
From John Hanc, writing for the New York Times:
The idea of painters and sculptors working late into life is not new. “Artists don’t generally retire from the work,” said Gay Hanna, executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging in Washington, a nonprofit organization that promotes creative arts programs for older people and is affiliated with George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. One example is Claude Monet, who painted some of his best-known works when he was in his 80s and had cataracts.
But what of those who are not famous — or like Mr. Cass, who never even dabbled in art until the later years? Does creating art benefit older adults?
“The arts cause worlds to open,” Ms. Hanna said. “For seniors whose worlds are often shrinking, that’s a good thing; to be open, free, engaged and valued. And the arts sure can do all that for you.” Still, she admitted, “we don’t have a lot of clinical research to back that up.”