Island seniors are benefiting from 21 new provincial government grants for arts projects, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey.
“Government is pleased to fund the highly successful Learning Elders Arts Program (LEAP) which pairs active seniors’ organizations with experienced artists,” said the minister. “The projects allow seniors to develop their creative skills and a deeper appreciation for Island art. They also create great social opportunities for seniors.”
The LEAP funding is used by local seniors’ groups to hire professional and semi-professional artists to teach their members about visual and media arts, dance, instrumental or vocal music, theatre or musical theatre, literary arts, folk arts and crafts.
Funding of $40,000 is being provided for the program by the Department of Tourism and Culture. The program is administered by the Prince Edward Island Senior Citizens’ Federation.
“This program clearly demonstrates how involvement in the arts can enhance the lives of seniors,” said Linda Jean Nicholson, executive director of the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation. “The partnership that the program creates between seniors and artists is an excellent match that benefits both groups.”
For more information on LEAP or the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation, visit www.peiscf.com .
BACKGROUNDER
Seniors’ organizations awarded this year’s LEARNING ELDERS ARTS PROGRAM (LEAP) grants are:
1. Alzheimer Society of PEI, Charlottetown
“Reminiscing Through Art” multi-media art sessions with artist Renee Laprise
2. Andrews of Charlottetown
“Multi-Sensory Music Sessions” with musicians Hazel St. Amand and NormaThompson
3. Bayview Lodge, Souris
Sketching and Drawing with artist Ronelda Cahill
4. Canoe Cove Women’s Institute, Canoe Cove
“Learning to See: Basic Drawing” with artist Sarah Saunders
5. Charlotte Residence, Charlottetown
“Maritime Music Tour” with actress Joscelynne Bordeaux
6. Clyde River Women’s Institute, Cornwall
“Transformational Art Activities” with artist Julia Purcell
7. Cornwall and Area 50+ Seniors’ Club, Cornwall
“The Artist Within” painting with artist Julia Purcell
8. Corrigan Home, Charlottetown
“Creatively Inspired with Acrylics” with artist Tanya Sheridan
9. Garden Home, Charlottetown
“My Place” craft painting with artist Tanya Sheridan
10. Geneva Villa, Charlottetown
“Button Craft” with artist Joscelynne Bordeaux
11. Georgetown Seniors’ Group, Georgetown
Seniors’ Group Arts with artist Mel Giddings
12. Kensington Happy Group Seniors, Kensington
Swedish Embroidery with artist Audrey Glover
13. Le Club Coeurs Joyeux, Tignish
Drawing and Painting with artist Nan Ferrier
14. La Cooperative d’Hebergement Le Bel Âge, Wellington
Rug Hooking with artist Lorraine Gallant
15. MacKinnon Pines Lodge, Montague
Drawing and Painting with artist Ronelda Cahill
16. Selkirk Millennium Club, Eldon
“From Clay to Garden” with potter Cindy Lentz
17. Seniors’ Active Living Centre, Charlottetown
Watercolor Painting for Seniors with artist Rajko Kujundzic
18. Seniors of PEI Association for Newcomers
“Your Story, My Story” with storyteller David Weale
19. Silver Threads Seniors’ Club, Souris
Creativity with Baskets with basket weaver Ann McIsaac
20. Wedgewood Manor Resident Council, Summerside
“Elders Treasured Memories in Clay” with potter Candy Gallant
21. Whisperwood Villa, Charlottetown
“In Appreciation of Nature” painting with artist Susan Christensen