Combine out-of-work artists due to the pandemic, a love of storytelling and a desire to help isolated senior citizens and the result is Story Tapestries of Germantown and the Maryland Department of Aging’s latest venture.
Earlier this month, almost 4,000 art kits for seniors filled with extra-large pencils that are easy to grip, lots of yarn and other tactile materials and a multipage journal were assembled at Glen Echo Park’s Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio. The kits for the program Share Your Life Stories are now being given to those who are at least 60 years old when they pick up their food at a food bank or community center.
Then, on Feb. 2, the recipients can listen on Zoom to a one-hour story telling performance featuring Noa Baum. Prior to the event, those interested will be guided through the technology of Zoom. There will be other Zoom story circles and interactive activities to engage the seniors.
“It’s all in the form of telling stories,” explained Steve Barker, managing director at Story Tapestries. The goal, he explained, is to enable participants to “have a slightly brighter day, slightly more connected.”
If successful, Story Tapestries, which is in its 11th year, hopes to continue the program.
Listen as Barker explains the project to MyMCM.
At Story Tapestries, we take our play (and our art) seriously. This journal and the art supplies going out have been carefully designed with the principles of creative aging and lifetime arts in mind. Thank you to all the individuals who contributed to this project. pic.twitter.com/zZ86YEhdxa
— Story Tapestries (@StoryTapestries) January 16, 2021
That’s what over 3000 art activity kits looks like. Thanks again to @glenechopark for the space. Stay tuned tomorrow for the completion of the project. pic.twitter.com/cOkwHJvxIT
— Story Tapestries (@StoryTapestries) January 17, 2021
