Better with age–Artful Aging Exhibition to feature local perspectives on getting older by Sandy Clipsham Guelph, as the curator for the upcoming Artful Aging exhibition November 8-26. He shared his hopes for this event’s first run: “I’m hoping that there will be enough alternative perspectives on aging offered by artists in the show, to leave people with the knowledge that it’s a complex process – in terms of cities addressing the needs of older adults in the community.” Young says it’s important to show artwork at a social action level, adding “people can hopefully relate to the diversity and perhaps understand better the experience of finding solutions and connections through selfexpression.” The exhibition’s opening on November 12 will be an opportunity to meet the artists as well as learn about the Age Friendly Guelph initiative. So what does it meant to age well? That’s an age-old question. In November, some possible answers will be given a look through the Gary Young seen here standing outside “The Boarding House” volunteers with Age Friendly Guelph, works of local artists. as a curator for the upcoming Artful Aging exhibition November 8-26. (supplied photo) “Sometimes you begin to slow down and When Ted Pritchard retired from his work seems to be happening–there are 24 people in things are more difficult for you to do as you as a school teacher and principal, he wanted his weekly art group at Evergreen. “Just that age,” says Pritchard. “It’s very easy to give up to keep active in his community. Now a vol- interaction makes the activity more fun. on stuff, whereas I think it helps you to stay unteer at Evergreen Senior’s Centre, Pritchard Some might not even pick up a brush over younger, and helps your thought processes a is using art to enrich seniors’ lives. the four hours. They’re there because of little bit to be active in things like art.” “At one point I was teaching art, so it’s the society–the conversation and the talk, “And that’s a good thing.” always been an important facet of my life, and other people will work diligently for The Artful Aging exhibition opening recepand doing art continues to be important now four hours.” tion runs Nov. 12 from 1 - 4pm. Normal that I’m older.” He now curates an art gallery Increasing social participation for seniors is viewing hours: Tuesday to Friday 12 - 5pm, at Evergreen, called Art In The Halls. one of eight dimensions of making cities Sat 9 - 3pm; Boarding House Arts, 6 Dublin “I joke around that I got the job because “age-friendly” as set forth by the World St. S., until November 26. Those interested in I’m tall, so I can reach the wires to hang Health Organization. Locally, those dimenvolunteering for this or other Age Friendly the art.” sions are acted upon by the Age Friendly Guelph initiatives can contact Manon Joking aside, Ted believes art can help bring Guelph Leadership Team. Germain Manon.Germain@guelph.ca or visit people together and express themselves. It Gary Young volunteers with Age Friendly guelph.ca/agefriendly
ARTFUL AGING November 8 - 26 Ashlar Gallery Reception: Saturday, November 12, 1pm - 4pm Featuring Guelph senior DUWLVWV DQG ORFDO DUWLVWV· exploration of the World +HDOWK 2UJDQL]DWLRQ·V HLJKW domains, and how they relate CONTACT US! WR WKH 2OGHU $GXOW 6WUDWHJ\·V Get in touch via email or goal to make Guelph a great phone to find out more info about our Artful Aging place to live and age well. exhibition.
Join the Age Friendly Guelph Leadership Team at Artful Aging to explore Age Friendliness!
Age Friendly Guelph Project Specialist Manon Germain 519-823-1291 x2691 manon.germain@guelph.ca
Boarding House Gallery ~ 6 Dublin Street South Tuesday-Friday: noon-5pm; Saturday: 10am-3pm BUSINESS VENTURE • page 3 Oct/Nov 2016 ISSUE
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Oak Tree seeds–cont’d from pg 1 community, and not just for the financial contribution,“ said Christine Oldfield, executive director. “It is so exciting to know that Oak Tree has encouraged so many local organizations to build or expand their plans to support volunteers.” The community judges involved in the program agreed. At a judges meeting a few weeks before the finale event, they gathered to compare notes about the five final submissions and talk about the state of volunteering in our community. “What struck me most was the profound impact that volunteers make on each of the organizations,” said Audrey Jamel Associate Director (Advancement) at University of Guelph “Every finalist recognized that volunteers were ‘mission-critical’ to the success of their organization. The Oak Tree project this year was an important amplifier on the profound impact that volunteers play in the health and wellness of our community.” Monica Mazun an associate at the Mactaggart office looked after much of the organizing for Oak Tree 2016. She agreed that the volunteer focus will have long time impact. “This was my second year helping out with Oak Tree and it was amazing to see how much it has grown. This year was special as I got to look at the 2000 stories submitted in support of all the charities. Reading how much of an impact each charity and its volunteers have opened my eyes to the importance of volunteering as well as the huge role local businesses can play in our community.” What’s next for The Oak Tree Project? Organizers haven’t yet announced 2017 plans, but their ideas will be planting more seeds and inspiring others to get involved. Learn more at OakTreeGuelph.ca