The Long X Arts Foundation, Good Shepherd Home, To Host Art For Life Programming For Area Elders

The Long X Arts Foundation and Good Shepherd home have received a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) to develop arts programming for area elders.

The NDCA's nationally-recognized Art for Life Program brings together local arts agencies, elder care facilities, schools, and folk and contemporary artists to improve the health and wellness of elders through intensive art and artist interactions.

"We are so excited to be able to incorporate this program into the list of art and cultural enrichment activities our organization provides to the community," said Jessie Scofield, Long X Arts Foundation Director. "Our older generation is the foundation of our community full of stories and wisdom and by introducing folk art into their activity plans what we're really hoping to do is evoke meaningful interactions between residents, community members and our student body."

Part of the program involves residents working directly with students and the committee has met to come up with an art programming plan for the next twelve months.

To kick off the programming, Art for Life will host Bismarck artist Nicole Gagner who will conduct a two day class centered on the art and beauty of canning while celebrating the stories and memories attached to the process.

Artist Nicole Gagner's body of artwork focuses on capturing approachable, everyday moments like these as a gateway to art through personal experiences, Nicole's art becomes accessible to a wide range of individuals with different but relatable life experiences.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to take both classes alongside Horizon and Good Shepherd Home residents.

Classes begin Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Home Activities Room. The class is free and open to the public and supplies are included. Each class will feature a different lesson. Participants are encouraged to attend both classes.

Nicole will also bring lessons to students in the Intermediate and High School and her work will be on display at the Pioneer Museum/Long X Visitor's Center from April 21-27.

The Long X Arts Foundation and Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County will host an artist reception on April 25 at 5:30pm at the Pioneer Museum. Refreshments will be served.

This program is made possible through a grant through the North Dakota Council on the Arts

Find out more about Nicole Gagner's Work at http://www.painternicole.com and watch for future Art for Life programs at http://www.longxarts.com/events.

Register:

To get a proper count, you must register in advance at http://www.longxarts.com/events or call Jessie at 701-770-8659