Lincoln Aging Residents Make Mosaics–and Meaning–Through upstArt Project

In partnership with Lincoln Aging Partners, Lincoln Arts’ upstArt program brought a series of mixed-media mosaic classes taught by local artist Carrie Strope to older adults. Over the course of the program, students worked with Carrie to create and exhibit pieces of their own imagination and making.

The class collaborated to explore ideas, symbols, and art styles using a variety of play-based learning activities to find inspiration and to grow their style in an accessible and repeatable way. Under Carrie’s guidance, students discovered the techniques necessary to create glass mosaics incorporating mixed-media and collage, as well as how to develop unique and meaningful ideas to create original artwork. They also explored movement as a way to translate abstract ideas into visual representations, writing with prompts, often working with partners and small groups to get feedback and refine ideas.

“The time and effort Carrie put into helping each person make their mosaic personal and special to each person was phenomenal,” said Jenny Turechek, a senior supervisor for Lincoln Aging Partners. “I will never forget some of those pieces. I couldn’t help but think to myself, How did she get this out of each person? What did she do to spark the creative side of each of these people? Every single one of the pieces had meaning. I am so thankful for Lincoln Arts, for Carrie, and the Nebraska Arts Council.”

At the end of the three weeks, Carrie and the students celebrated this collaboration and creativity with a gallery opening and artist reception at the Lincoln Aging Partners facility.

This upstArt project was funded in part by a Creative Aging program grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.