What's Easy. What's Not.

It's easy to be right.
It's not easy to be kind.

It's easy to hope.
It's not easy to know.

It's easy to be a damsel.
It's not easy to be a heroine.

It's easy to complain.
It's not easy to make requests.

It's easy to have the perfect retort.
It's not easy to listen.

It's easy to be busy.
It's not easy to be productive.

It's easy to criticize.
It's not easy to create.

It's easy to say you don't feel like it.
It's not easy to do it anyway.

It's easy to obsess.
It's not easy to meditate.

It's easy to sing your heart out when the audience loves you.
It's not easy to sing your heart out when no one is paying attention.

It's easy to wait for rescue.
It's not easy to rescue yourself.

It's easy to resent people who take up your time.
It's not easy to say no in the first place.

It's easy to make excuses.
It's not easy to take responsibility.

It's easy to worry.
It's not easy to make a plan.

It's easy to come up with reasons why someone pissed you off.
It's not easy to ask yourself how you participated.

It's easy to dabble.
It's not easy to commit.

It's easy to rail on the idiot driver behind you.
It's not easy to just move out of his way.

It's easy to read books about writing.
It's not easy to sit down and write.

It's easy to say no to bad things because you want good things.
It's not easy to say no to good things because you want great things.

It's easy to fire off an angry email or blog comment.
It's not easy to pause and breathe and clarify your feelings.

It's easy to react to an angry email or blog comment by firing one back.
It's not easy to pause and breathe and clarify your meaning.

It's easy to start your idea.
It's not easy to finish it.

It's easy to buy something cheap because it's cheap.
It's not easy to buy something expensive because you love it.

It's easy to say you don't know what you want.
It's not easy to admit what you do want.

It's easy to let a kid watch TV.
It's not easy to find ways to play with a kid.

It's easy to do urgent things.
It's not easy to do important things.

It's easy to say it's too hard.
It's worth it to do what's not easy.

by Christine Kane

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at christinekane.com

It's Friday. Take Notes! Start Exploring Social Media Tools right here.

Lorelle VanFossen shares lots and lots of information about social media. Lorelle is part of the duo team of VanFossen Productions, professional nature photographers and writers. She says,

"Everyone’s talking social media, but few understood what it really is. best definition came from a comment by Alistair Shaw:  ''Tools that help connect people.' Social media tools connect people. The challenge is which one to use. "

Lorelle has written a whole series of blog posts on Exploring Social Media Tools Series.  Start with whatever topic appeals to you.  Just start!

It's Monday, it's December and "I wanna grow old with you . . ."

Today is the first Monday of the last month of this year. And yes, you are a year older than you were this time last year.

Artful Aging wants to remind you that growing older can be great. We are here for you. We "wanna grow old with you..."

Happy Monday!

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

To Blog or Not to Blog...Is That the Question?

You're an Artist... You're a Nonprofit...
You're wondering if you need a blog... And what is a blog anyway?

Take Notes! while Nancy Schwartz answers your question: What is a blog ?

Blogs for Artists ... 

• 
  
  EmptyEasel gives 9 Reasons Why Every Artist Should Have Their Own Art Blog.
• 
  
  Then EmptyEasel tells you where to start: So You Want to Start an Art Blog. . . What’s the Best Free Blogging Platform to Use?

& Blogs for Aging Organizations ...

• 
  
  You don't think you need a Blog is because your audience is over 55? Carenetworks says You Must Blog Now!

• 
  
  Now read Carenetworks' 10 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks to see what NOT to do with your blog.

If you want to develop a blog (and yes, even YOU can do it!), follow our Friday Take Notes! Posts.  You'll get lots of information and resources to help you learn how to set up a Blog--whether you are an Artist, an Aging Services Organization, a Nonprofit, or just You!
 
P.S.--If you are interested in some "in-person" help, send an email to CAAN and we'll work on putting a workshop together.

Britain Going Blog Crazy - Metro Article
Photo by Annie Mole

6 Places to Learn How to Blog

No, don't follow this shabby sign to buy or lease a Blog.  Here are six very non-shabby places to go to learn how to set up your Blog for free ... whether you are working in Aging or you are an Artist.

You'll see that these resources are all pretty much talking about Blogger as the blogging platform. Sure there are other free platforms, but, in my humble opinion, Blogger is the easiest platform to use and a great place to start. Take Notes!

1. Begin reading Tech Soup's article Ready to Start Blogging? 
2. Then go to Empty Easel's What Blogging Program do MOST Artist Bloggers Use? (Useful information even if you're not an Artist.)
3. Empty Easel will also show you How To Set Up A Free Art Blog On Blogger (In Just 8 Steps) (Again, even if it's not a Nonprofit Blog, or an Aging Organization Blog - the 8 steps still work.)
4. Still need more help? Tim Adam gives you step-by-step instructions in how to set up your Blog in his Lesson 1, Lesson 2 and Lesson 3.
5. So, now you know how to set up a Blog. Time to check out this video from Facebook for Dummies about posting a post in Blogger. (Yes, you can learn about blogging in Facebook for Dummies.)
6. Now, go read Empty Easel's article about Artist's Blogging Styles to decide what your Blog's focus will be. (And once again, this article is for everyone, not just for Artists.)

  BLOG FOR SALE OR LEASE

Photo by John Weise

Have you checked your Creative Well lately?

"The thing that makes a creative person is to be creative and that is all there is to it. "

~ Edward Albee

Kathy Caprino has written Are You Accessing Your Creative Well? for the Society for Creative Aging. In her article, Kathy shares that she let her creative activities go unnourished and hidden for 25 years and then,

"What I realized is that we cannot 'find ourselves,' or achieve a joyful, meaningful and fulfilling professional or personal life if we force these beautiful creative pieces of ourselves to go underground.

"Your creative gifts are not yours by accident. You were meant to have these gifts, and express these sparks of creativity for the betterment and enrichment of your life and others. Now is the time to access your creative well again."

Kathy shares a few tips to help you tap your creative well ...

• Identify your creative talent make it a priority.
• List everything that has held you back from expressing your creative gifts, then move forward.
• Commit to finding a forum to begin.
• Find a mentor, friend, or coach who can help you access your creativity.
• Shine the light on your creative gifts, and don't allow them to be hidden any longer.

The Society for Creative Aging in Boulder, Colorado,"ignites the excitement of creativity at every stage of life...Engaging in a creative process is a wonderful way for older adults to draw from their life experiences, discover their latent talents, explore new interests and experience the joy of being creative."

Wishing Well by Lindsay Sorensen

"What can creativity do?" It's Monday so let's find out...

cre·a·tiv·i·ty  [kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-] –noun

the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.

Happy Monday!

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Thanksgiving is this week. Dance your gratitude!

grat·i·tude [grat-i-tood, -tyood] noun

the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful: He expressed his gratitude to everyone on the staff.

—Synonyms: thanks, thankfulness, appreciation, gratefulness.

Plus

dance [dans, dahns] - verb, danced, danc·ing, noun; verb (used without object)

1. to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, esp. to the accompaniment of music.
2. to leap, skip, etc., as from excitement or emotion; move nimbly or quickly: to dance with joy.
3. to bob up and down: The toy sailboats danced on the pond.

—Synonyms: 2. cavort, caper, frolic, gambol, prance.

= the Gratitude Dance...

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Build Community & Grow in the Arts. It's Monday - Start Today!

The Creative Age: How Artistic Expression Continues to Blossom

In this segment of AARP's Your Life Calling With Jane Pauley, Gay Hanna, Executive Director of the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA), talks about the benefits of artistic expression as you age.

"The Arts are wonderful for their own sake, but they are so powerful in terms of tools for communication and healing...You can grow in the Arts."

Happy Monday!

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Seniors Storytelling Day will tell a wonderful story to you!

"The Best Day of My Life So Far...
Seniors Storytelling Day"

Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 2:00 PM

The Parkway Central Library *
The Free Library of Philadelphia

FREE

Inspired by her relationship with her grandmother, Benita Cooper started a a weekly storytelling and writing class at Philadelphia Senior Center. This class, The Best Day of My Life (So Far), is now a vibrant, multimedia storytelling project where older adults connect and share their stories with younger generations.

What happens when Philadelphia seniors open up by sharing stories from their lives? On Seniors’ Storytelling Day, be ready to smile, laugh and even cry as our city’s seniors take the stage to read stories that they have written, and answer questions from the audience.

Enjoy this video and get a taste of what to expect on Sunday:



And yes, The Best Day of My Life So Far...Storytelling Day has a Facebook Page!

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

*The Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
No tickets required. For info call: 215-567-4341.

It's Monday! Here's a little Random Act of Culture to start your week...

Let's start your week with some Verdi! One Saturday in April, the Opera Company of Philadelphia teamed up with the Reading Terminal Market's Italian Festival for a "Flash Opera" event! Over 30 members of the Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus and cast members of La Traviata performed "Brindisi" while roaming Reading Terminal Market.

Bravo!



Happy Monday!
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Act Two: Personal Stories of Second Careers

Wednesday, November 10 at 11:00 AM

Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Room # 108, open at 10:45 AM

Sylvia Kauders: "I want to do this until they lay me in the ground. I plan to go down kicking and screaming, 'I haven't finished yet!'"

The Central Senior Services at the Parkway Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadephia is saluting Philadelphians who in mid-life or later, embarked on second careers that were radically different from their initial choices. Sylvia Kauders is scheduled to share her story on November 10. Sylvia was a Philadelphia civil servant who has become a very successful film and television actress. She has appeared in major movies such as Witness with Harrison Ford and The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke.  On television, she has appeared on Seinfeld and the Sopranos. 

Sylvia is currently shooting not just one, but two movies in New York City. Since there is always the possibility that she will be called to the set on November 10, a compelling back-up guest will be "waiting in the wings." 

Sheila Weiler is a former teacher and legal secretary who has become a cabaret singer and an actress in musicals.  She has sung at Judy’s and Danny’s Skyline Room in New York City and on stage at the Walnut Street Theater here.  Sheila received a scholarship to study at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in New London, Connecticut. 

This promises to be an entertaining and fascinating morning--whether you listen to Sylvia or to Sheila!

Join Senior Center at the Central Branch of the Free Library
for more Act Two: Personal Stories of Second Careers 

• Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 11:00 AM
• Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM

It's Monday, it's November, and Life is Beautiful!

Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest Holocaust survivor in the world, will celebrate her 107th birthday this month, November 2010. She will probably celebrate with music.

Take some time from what you are doing right now and watch this video. The music alone will make you feel great. And Alice's story will inspire you.

Here is the official trailer for "Alice Dancing Under the Gallows," a documentary short due to come out in 2011.

In Alice's own words,

"Only when we are so old ... only, we are aware of the beauty of life."

And, yes, even Alice's film has a Facebook Page!

Do you know where your Art is?

Megan Echman has written a great post over at handmade spark. In Fine Art Invetories. Megan shares an amazingly simple process for artists to put together an inventory of your work. A Word document? Takes time, but is so easy. She also shares Bethany Dirksen's flash card method and Google Docs idea. Check out Megan's other art biz articles.

While you're at it, check out Senior Artists Initiatives. SAI informs artists about the need to and the benefit of organizing their art and the legal and tax issues faced by artists and heirs.

SAI is a nonprofit organization that assists senior artists in understanding the need for and processes involved in organizing their life's work and by developing programs that provide recognition for senior artists. We educate artists about the process of documenting and inventorying their work, legal issues pertaining to their art, estates, and rights, exploring venues for exhibiting their art work, and placing their work with museums and other nonprofit organizations.

You might be interested in the upcoming Senior Artists Initiative event:

Preserving the Artist's Heritage

Sunday, November 7, 1 to 3 pm

Ann and Herman Silverman Pavilion

James A. Michener Art Museum

138 South Pine Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

FREE and open to the public;
registration required by calling 215-340-9800

Panel of experts:
Beth Bensman, Archives specialist, National Archives
Jeffrey Fuller, Fine art appraiser
Bruce Katsiff, Director/CEO, Michener Art Museum
Robert Louis, Attorney, Saul Ewing
Stephen Tarantal, Artist and former Dean of Academic Affairs, University of the Arts
Richard Weisgrau, Executive Director, Senior Artists Initiative

Included are strategies to inventory artwork and information on the tax implications of artwork as part of an estate. Donations of artwork to museums and other non-profit organizations also will be featured.

Video game inventory
Photo by matt.hutchinson

"oo ee oo ah ah" Part Deux

Remember--before the Minivan and SUV there was the VW Bus?

If you read Monday's Artful Aging post in your Reader or here on the web, you got your TREAT!

However, if you receive Artful Aging via email, you are probably scratching your head and wondering about yesterday's post. What the heck are all these questions about Scooby-Doo and Alvin and the Chipmunks and "The Witch Doctor"--and what do they have to do with Artful Aging! Did you feel TRICKED?

A video was part of Monday's post which prompted  the 4 "remember when" qustions (the Aging part) and the "remember when" tied into memories about music and cartoons and animation (the Art part). Anyway...the video didn't show up in the email and we forgot to add that all important sentence, "Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!"

So now, pop over to It's the Monday before Halloween post and see the silly Scooby-Doo Halloween Cartoon-- "oo ee oo ah ah" Part Un!

scooby doo bus
Photo by Sacred Destinations

It's the Monday before Halloween! 4 Questions to test your "oo ee oo ah ah . . ."

Question #1 - Do you remember Saturday morning cartoons before the Cartoon Network?
Question #2 - Do you remember watching Scooby-Doo before he made it big in the movies and was a mere TV star?
Question #3 - Who originally sang "The Witch Doctor"?
Question #4 - Did you own an Alvin and the Chipmunks Album when albums were actually albums made of vinyl?



#1 - Crusader Rabbit made television history on August 1, 1950 at 6pm on KNBH (NBC) in Los Angeles when it became the first cartoon expressly made for television to be broadcast.
#2 - Cartoons have a long history, but Scooby-Doo started in 1969, long before the Cartoon Network arrived in the US in 1992.
#3 - The song declaring, "Oo ee oo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang," was written and performed in 1958 by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. under the name David Seville. (Did you own the 45? * )
#4 - Alvin and the Chipmunks is the animated music group created by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., popularly known as David Seville (yes, of "The Witch Doctor" fame!) in 1958. Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded "The Witch Doctor" in 1960. Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. has carried on the Chipmunks journey since 1972.

* Bonus Question - Do you know what a 45 is?

Take Notes! A little bit of this and a little bit of that . . .

Artists and Aging Services, you can't ignore Social Media any longer. Social Media is here to stay.

Renee Philips shares excerpts from her teleclass on Publicity from her Artrepreneur Success Program and gives you  17 Basic Tips for Increasing Your Public Persona. In addition to Creating Extraordinary Artwork and Use Strong Connections from the Past, read Renee's tips about using Social Media:

• Create an Email Newsletter - Probably one of the easiest ways to promote and publicize yourself and build a following is by sending out a free email newsletter. You can link your email news to your Twitter, FB and LI accounts. Take advantage of Constant Contact free trial offer. *
• Post Comments on Other Blogs - You can add your knowledge to a plethora of blogs related to your typical market niche and customer profile. Place keywords related to your art and the word "blogs" in search engines and see what leads pop up. Offer to be a guest blogger. So many bloggers would welcome a day off. If you contribute something of value it will garner the attention you deserve and lead the blog readers to your Web site.

*(Artful Aging suggests you check out Mail Chimp. We use is it and it is easy and free.)

The Pew Research Center reports in Older Adults and Social Media that:

• Between April 2009 and May 2010, social networking use among internet users ages 50-64 grew by 88%--from 25% to 47%.
• During the same period, use among those ages 65 and older grew 100%--from 13% to 26%.
• One in five (20%) online adults ages 50-64 say they use social networking sites on a typical day, up from 10% one year ago.
• Among adults ages 65 and older, 13% log on to social networking sites on a typical day, compared with just 4% who did so in 2009.

Krishanna Spencer over at Creative Wonk shares 4 Tips for Social Media Beginners. Find out what she means by:

• Always tell the truth about yourself.
• Show yourself.
• Stop cramming your business opportunities down my throat.
• Be as generous and positive and as supportive and nice as you can be.

Over at Kyle Lacy's Blog, Randy Clark guest posts about 5 Tips to Connecting with the Boomer Social Boom. He tells you:

• Keep it simple.
• Explain boundaries.
• Grammar does matter.
• Teach us social network netiquette.
• Speak our language.

And Ventureneer has an informative e-book to download. Check out Nonprofits and Social Media: It Ain't Optional and learn:

• 10 Highly Successful Social Media Habits for Nonprofits
• Rules of the Road
• How Nonprofits Implement Social Media

Now go out there and get Social!

Social media as art
Photo by SFview

Third Place in Show . . . First Place in Artful Aging!

Pterodactyl

Sam Hanselman’s entry Pterodactyl has been awarded 3rd place in the 36th Annual Juried Art Show at Hopkins House Gallery of Contemporary Art. Congratulations, Sam! But the really interesting news is that when Sam was awarded 3rd place, the jurors had no idea she was 90 with dementia!

Sam is Teaching Artist Barbara Hanselman's mother. Barbara shares her mother's artful journey:

Sam, who is 90 and suffers from dementia, has finally found something she can 'get lost in' and feel a sense of accomplishment about - I call it painting with tissue paper. Sam has always loved color but was never encouraged to use color alone to create a work of art. There was nothing freeing about her past experiences with water color, pastels & colored pencils and as a result, making ART for her became synonymous with failed struggles. Now that is no longer the case; painting with tissue paper requires no formal training - if someone can put glue on a board and rip paper, they are on their way to making a masterpiece! It's amazing how some Mod Podge glue, recycled mat boards from a local frame shop and torn tissue paper from Target can be the means of self expression so desperately needed. I am convinced that people who suffer from dementia & depression yearn to tell the world of their angst and this (as well as clay which I teach) are wonderful ways to do so.

If you are interested in seeing Sam's art in person, here are the exhibit details:

The 36th Annual Juried Art Show

Hopkins House

Gallery of Contemporary Art

250 South Park Drive

Haddon Township, NJ 08108

The Opening Reception will be held

Saturday, October 23rd from 2 to 4pm

The exhibition and reception are open to the public and free of charge.The show runs from October 23rd to November 22nd, 2010.

Read about Barbara Hanselman's creative journey in clay on her blog BH Claysmith and view her art-making videos on YouTube.

It's Monday! "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!"

Here's a little something that's a little different. Start your Monday with Dr. Seuss ...

"... be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left."

Naomi Dunford is a fabulous marketing blogger over at IttyBiz. But don't worry, this isn't about marketing. (Or maybe it is.) It's Naomi reading Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go. 

"And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)"

Now, go get that cup of coffee or tea, sit back, relax, click Play and listen to Naomi read Dr. Seuss to you ...

(Can't hear the MP3? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

P.S. While I highly recommend IttyBiz as an entertaining blog with great advice, I must warn you--Naomi is not for the faint hearted! She writes boldly and bluntly and chooses her words as if she's NOT reading a children's story! (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

Caring for Your Aging Parent

The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) and the Free Library of Philadelphia are cosponsoring a program entitled:

“Caring for Your Aging Parent.”

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.

Free Library of Philadelphia
Parkway Central Library1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA

Skyline Room - 4th Floor

In this one-hour Lunch & Learn Workshop, PCA trainer Lois Hayman-El will talk about the range of services available to older adults, as well as the supportive help available for those who care for them. Whether you happen to be a young person worried about an older relative, a Boomer concerned about a parent, or you are an older adult yourself needing help with a spouse or partner, this workshop is for you.

Read more details about the workshop in this flyer.

Loving hands
Photo by sparkle glowplug

Teaching Artists--It's FREE and it's for YOU !

Sign up for Full-Day Boot Camp - NOW!

Teaching Artists, here is an opportunity you just can't refuse! The Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance have joined forces to present: 

Marketing Yourself as a Teaching Artist

Full-Day Boot Camp

Sunday, November 7

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fleisher Art Memorial, 709 Catherine Street

Free parking available

Free of charge

Registration (and commitment) required!

The Bartol Foundation’s three-part workshop is being combined into a full-day Boot Camp:

#1 Creating Your Personal Brand

• Define what you are offering
• Articulate your mission as a teaching artist
• Outline a clear resume of your experience
• Define your "signature" programs
• Develop your Teaching Artist Packet

#2 Negotiating the Gig ~ led by Andrew Simonet, founder of Artists U, a career/life planning program for artists

• What is your time worth?
• What are the things you must have to provide a successful program?
• Where are you willing to compromise?
• Where’s the sink?
• Tools and templates for setting fees, defining roles and diplomatically negotiating

#3 Creating Your Marketing Plan

• Explore the components of a marketing plan – the 4 Ps
• Product
• Price
• Place
• Promotion.
• Tie in components of previous sessions
• Know your product(s)
• Understand the need for multiple price points
• Where do audiences exist?
• What specific tactics can you can employ to reach them?
• Websites
• Blogs
• Social media*
• Press releases
• Events
• The toolkit will include
• A sample marketing plan
• A sample press release
• A sample media planner
• A sample budget
• Links to relevant blogging and social media sites.

You must agree to attend for the entire day. But, hey--it's FREE and it's jam packed with great information! Did I mention it's FREE?! And jam packed with great information?!

To register, click here.

*Social Media? Yes, social media! Check out Artful Aging's posts about Facebook and Social Media:

• OK, Class, Let's Review Facebook . . .
• Facebook 4-5-6... Take Notes!
• 10 Really, Really Good Reasons to Care About Social Media
• When it comes to social media, IS ignorance bliss? Take Notes!
• 10 Out of 100 Thoughts on Social Media

Day 89 - Boot camp

Photo by tsheko

3 things we need for Great Work especially on a Monday

"Step out to the edge of who you are."

Happy Monday!

Michael Bungay Stanier has a book, Do More Great Work, but his little video inspires all on its own.

(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

14 things not to do (especially on a Monday) . . .

Enjoy this Anti-Creativity Checklist--and do the opposite!



Happy Monday!
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

It's Monday--is the world "plotting to do you good"?

Jack Canfield: Create your attitude, change your responses . . .



Have an Optimistic Monday!

Thanks, Jack Canfield!
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Monday's a great day to open up possibilities in your life . . .

"You're on the edge of something that matters. Pay attention!"



Happy Monday!
Thanks, Michael Bungay Stanier, for using your Box of Crayons to ask questions!
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Experience Aging Through Art in Philly this Tuesday!

CAAN is presenting

“Creative Connections: Experiencing Aging through Art”

at
American Society on Aging's
East Coast Conference on Aging

on
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
held at
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
642 North Broad Street (Broad and Wallace Streets)
Center City Philadelphia.

This exciting workshop will feature two sessions. In the first, let the experts help you explore some of the practical aspects of creative arts programming for older adult, such as planning, funding and actually implementing. You will have to opportunity to ask questions of a panel of arts, humanities and local professionals, who will share information about some of the opportunities available that provide professional arts programming and/or funding.

After lunch, professional teaching artists experienced working with older adults will lead you in a hands-on exploration of bringing creativity to aging services. You will also engage in a hands-on sensitivity learning activity. You will gain some insight into what it may be like to have diminished senses as a result of the natural aging process.

Artists, now pay attention here. Did we mention we have a limited number of scholarships for Artists? We do! Send an email to caan.info@gmail.com with the subject line: I want a scholarship! First come, first served! Hurry up and do it right NOW!

Registration                              Members                      Non-Members

Full-Day (includes box lunch)      $180 each                     $200 each

Registration is open online at www.asaging.org.

If you are an Artist--email caan.info@gmail.com to let CAAN know you want a scholarship!

Project 365 (Day 7) Art Through The Ages
by Wes2theG09

Start your week on Monday or Tuesday, but start it with a little dancing!

Fred Bowers should inspire us all. A contestant on last year's Britain's Got Talent, 73 year old Fred breaks up the crowd with his Break Dancing!



(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Are you a writer who needs a Push to Publish? Read on . . .

Philadelphia Stories

presents

Fourth Annual Push to Publish Seminar:

Strategies to Get Your Work in Print and Online

at Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Keynote speaker Paul Lisicky

Writers--young and old, experienced and novice--looking to get your work in print and online, here's a one-day workshop for you! You will

• Speed date with the editors: Meet real editors and agents who will review your specific work.
• Learn how to increase your chances of getting published.
• Discuss new writing trends with professionals in the community.
• Get great marketing and networking tips to break into the competitive world of publishing.

Offered as a premium event this year, Spend a Day With a Literary Agent Workshop is Friday, October 15, 11-4. Learn how to effectively pitch agents in this workshop. Space is limited, so reserve your ticket now.

Saturday, October 16 Schedule

9:00 Registration and Breakfast

10:00 Keynote Speaker: Paul Lisicky is the author of Lawnboy, Famous Builder, and the forthcoming books The Burning House (2011) and Unbuilt Projects (2012).

11:15 Speed Dating with the Editors: Spend 10 minutes with the editor or agent of your choice to get personalized critiques of your work!

1:15 Breakout Session I

• A: Promote Your Work Without Spending a Fortune
• B. Tapping into the Creative Nonfication Craze
• C: Finding a Home for Your Short Story

2:30 Breakout Session II

• A: Marketing: Selling Yourself
• B: Fiction: Writing for Children and Young Adults
• C: The Joys of Small Presses

3:45 Breakout Session III

• A: Meet the Agents and Editors
• B: How to Succeed in Submissions
• C. Traditional, Self-publish, or ePublish? That is the 21st Century Question

Click HERE for more details about the program.

Click HERE to read the bios of all participating agents, editors, and panelists.

Fee: $75 (Students, Seniors $65) includes Breakfast, Lunch, and one Speed-date Pass. Additional Speed-date passes can be purchased for $5 each. (No more than 3 total recommended.) [50% off for Rosemont students, faculty, and alumni -- must provide valid proof of affiliation at registration]
Any questions, please email christine@philadelphiastories.org

Push to Publish is sponsored by Philadelphia Stories magazine, the nonprofit literary magazine and companion website that publishes literary fiction, poetry, essays, and art from the tri-state area and provides it to the general public free of charge. All proceeds from the workshop will go directly toward keeping the magazine in print, in color, and free.

It's August--it's Monday--sit back and enjoy the moment before the moment is gone . . .

Enjoy watching New Zealander Peter Donnelly create his "moments" of art.



If you have 10 minutes, watch this longer video of Peter talking about his art while he creates it.
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

Turkish Marbling comes to Philadelphia

Richard Aldorasi, a Creative Arts & Aging Board Member, was highlighted in April on the PBS special, "Ebru World Arts" a WHYY Experience,

As a resident artist with the Pennsylvania State Council on the Arts, Richard offers this special program, the World Art Project, through the Arts in Education Partnership (PCA).

The World Art Project residency program allows students to explore the following 8 hands-on art techniques from around the world: Turkish and Japanese Suminagashi marbling applied to paper and silk, making linen paper with flowers, ferns, gold, silver and metallic iridescences, paste painting and momigami paper design, making Egyptian papyrus paper, bookbinding, and letter press printing.

Each student learns the rich history of these decorative folk arts including the historic role Philadelphia and Pennsylvania played in papermaking and printing.

Watch Richard with young students as they learn ebru, the art of Turkish marbling, an art form that if not taught anymore, is in danger of disappearing.  

Learn more about Richard's work by visiting The Philadelphia Handmade Paper Company.

Arts, Humanities & Cultural Organizations ... let US publicize YOU at the ASA East Coast Conference on Aging!

Creative Arts & Aging Network
is presenting

"Creative Connections: Experience Aging through Art."

at the American Society on Aging's (ASA)
East Coast Conference on Aging

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

And we want to help YOU publicize YOUR programs for older adults.

We are compiling a Resource Table for workshop participants, and it will feature area agencies and organizations that provide programs and opportunities for older adults to experience the arts and humanities. If you have an upcoming arts related event or opportunity, we can publicize that as well.

We encourage YOU to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your program!

Send your brochures, flyers and PR materials:

Mary Catherine Dabrowski ~ Creative Arts & Aging Network

c/o Havertown Senior Center ~ 1105 Earlington Road ~ Havertown, PA 19083

Questions about the Resource Table?

Contact Mary Catherine at 610-446-2070 or caan.info@gmail.com

I love PR (public relations)
Photo by DoktorSpinn

Experience Aging through Art at the ASA East Coast Conference here in Philadelphia

Creative Arts & Aging Network
is presenting

"Creative Connections: Experience Aging through Art."

at the American Society on Aging's (ASA)
East Coast Conference on Aging

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

at the
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging 

642 North Broad Street (Broad and Wallace Streets)

Center City Philadelphia.

This September ASA, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, is offering cutting-edge programs and continuing education for professionals who work with older adults. And Creative Arts & Aging Network will be there! “Creative Connections: Experiencing Aging through Art,” will feature two sessions:
Morning Session:* Experiencing Aging through Art Part I (9:30-12:30)
The morning intensive is designed to help staff working in the aging field find and develop the resources necessary to implement arts programming for older adults. A panel of arts, humanities and local professionals will discuss the opportunities available that provide professional arts programming and/or funding.
Afternoon Session:* Experiencing Aging through Art Part II (1:30-4:30)
During the afternoon intensive, professional teaching artists (experienced working with older adults) will explore the opportunities for to artists to bring creativity to aging services The need for older adults to nurture creative expression and find meaning through the arts will be explored from the vantage point of  artists as teachers. Adaptations for well elders will be the focus, but frail elders, and elders with dementia will be discussed as well. Workshop participants will also engage in a hands-on sensitivity learning activity focused on what it may be like to have diminished senses as part of the natural aging process.

Early Registration (Paid registration received on or before August 31, 2010)
Half-Day:  $70 each (Members) or $85 each (Non-Members)
Full-Day (includes box lunch):  $150 each (Members) or $170 each (Non-Members)

Late/On-site Registration (Paid registration received on or after September 1, 2010 and for on-site registrants, Last day for online registration is Sept 10, 2010 Midnight EST)
Half-Day: $85 each (Members) or $100 each (Non-Members)

*Yes, we know. The Conference Brochure (p. 13) lists our morning program as the teaching artists session and our afternoon program as the arts and humanties professionals panel. However, the session times ARE as listed above. What would a conference be without just a little confusion?!

Get your Monday on with the Fun Theory!

Fun is good!

Happy Monday!

Thanks, Volkswagon, for believing fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better!
(Can't see the video? Go to Artful Aging and enjoy!)

10 out of 100 Thoughts on Social Media

Social Media is here to stay, so here's another reminder to jump on the bandwagon. Read Valerie Maltoni's post 100 Thoughts on Social Media. Read all 100 thoughts. Don't worry, they're short. But first, check out 10 of her thoughts (along with Artful Aging comments) right here.

#  9 realize that the most important person is the other
That's right, social media and social networking is not all about you. It's about what you can do for others.

#18 resist copying
Sure, you don't want to "reinvent the wheel." But share things in your own voice, in your own words. Attribute the information, the quote, the photo, the whatever to the source. Go that extra step and link to the original source.

#23 collaborate freely
This goes along with both #9 and #18. It's not all about you. Make friends and play nice with others. Give credit where credit is due and you'll get credit in turn. Connect, connect, connect.

#46 build an extra mile on someone else’s runway
Yes, we'll say it again. It's not all about you. Promote other organizations' events and activities. Remember #9, #18 and #23. The more you share someone else's information, the more interesting and valuable content you can offer your audience.

#49 stay with it through the thick and thin
It takes time to build an online presence. It takes patience to engage followers and listeners. In the beginning, you sometimes feel you are "talking" to yourself. Hang in there. Build #9, #23 and #46 and they will come.

#67 thank often and liberally
Saying "thank you" ...  a few minutes. Showing appreciation and recognition ... a few minutes more. The return ... priceless.

#71 find mentors
Find out who's posting on Facebook, blogging, and tweeting about your niche. Find the authorities, the leaders. Follow them. Link to them. "Like" them. Connect. Take notes!

#73 be flexible
Be prepared for the unexpected. Plan out the topics you want to share with your audience. But be ready to switch gears and share a new, current bit of information that just popped up. Be prepared, but be timely.

#85 work with others, it’s not a competition
Re-read #8, #18, #23, #46, #67 and #71. The more, the merrier. Web 2.0 is big and wide. When you are willing to share, then you share the "winning."  Be discriminating, but be generous and, yes, #73, be flexible.

#95 inspire and find inspiration
Inspire your followers to do something. The best way to inspire others is to get inspired yourself. Always, always be on the search for inspiration.

Have you taken the leap and jumped on the Social Meda Bandwagon. Need some help? Start by re-reading our Take Notes! posts:

• 
  
  Facebook 101 & Facebook 102
• 
  
  Become a Fan!
• 
  
  Think Social Media is a Fad?
• 
  
  Facebook is as Easy as 1-2-3!
• 
  
  More Facebook is as Easy as 1-2-3!
• 
  
  Social Media is Not Gibberish!
• 
  
  Social Media is not Gibberish Part II

Find more Social Media post by clicking on Artful Aging's Topics Tab at the top of the page.

Jump on the social media bandwagon

Image by Matt Hamm

Joanne Turney Bauers and “The Art of Joyful Aging”

This is a guest post by Alexandra Shaw, Manhattan Arts International.

Inner Beauty by Joanne Turney Bauers

When Joanne Turney Bauers, a charismatic, red haired woman, enters the room all heads turn. Simply stated, this beautiful 81-year old artist radiates joie de vivre. She lives a rewarding and active life in which she pursues her many areas of creativity, volunteer work, and travel between her home base in Washington, DC and her pied-a-terre in Manhattan.

Mrs. Bauers has had a successful artistic career which has included exhibitions throughout the world and many awards of distinction. She is also an advocate for social change, particularly in the area of attitudes about the aging process. Her most recent accomplishment is "The Art of Joyful Aging," a hard-cover book that features 80 of her abstract “Teeny Turney” paintings accompanied by a positive quote. The paintings are featured in different chapters that relate to the four seasons.

What motivated Mrs. Bauers to create such an inspirational book was her desire to reverse the negative associations people of all ages have about what she enthusiastically refers to as “Advanced Youth.” She states,

 “The intent of my book, ‘The Art of Joyful Aging,’ is to focus on the many advantages of aging which has been all but ignored in our society. Aging, or as I call it 'Advanced Youth,' is the one common human trait we all share from birth to death. (If we are fortunate to live until adulthood.) We are an extremely youth oriented society with very little time, honor or respect given to our elders. It has been said that the character of a country can be simply seen on how we treat our elders. My book gives all the positives about the joy of aging from friends, family, the youth and the famous accompanied by one of my paintings with each affirmation. I suggest you read one positive quote a day to keep the Doctor away and bring joy to your life.”

Mrs. Bauers’ book has been described as “a health tonic” to be cherished and shared with loved ones. Her philosophy may well be attributed to her spiritual beliefs:

"I feel as if I am the instrument through which the spirit of life can be revealed on canvas. This is a wonderful gift and I treat it with respect, reverence and gratitude. I trust the Divine mind within me to be my leader and guide.”

She is currently sharing her optimistic attitude in her talks and book signings to inspired audiences in the Washington, DC and New York City area. Her schedule will be announced soon on the Edgewood Publishing Company website. “The Art of Joyful Aging” can be ordered from the web site and it is also available in the Katzen Museum and The National Museum of Women in the Arts, in Washington, DC.

Mrs. Bauers recognizes the healing power of art. Several years ago she created "The Art of Healing," a poignant series of thirteen paintings that depict the emotional stages of her battle against and recovery from breast cancer. They encapsulate the universal feelings associated with loss, suffering, fear, faith, hope and healing.

She has traveled extensively through the Middle East, Pakistan, India, Bangkok, the Kybher Pass, and Europe. For 15 years, she lived on the Costa Del Sol in Spain. The passion and colors of that land and its people emanate from her exuberant paintings.

Mrs. Bauers work is in many private and public collections including Osman Ali, former Executive Director of the World Bank, International Resources Corporation, Washington, DC; Mallorcan Properties International, Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Hyatt Hotel, Arlington, VA.

You can view more of Joanne Turney's work on the Manhattan Arts International web site.

About the Author: Alexandra Shaw is an editor for Manhattan Arts International, Celebrate HerStory, and the Healing Power of Art blog.