FABS receives state grant for visual art classes for senior citizens

STAFF REPORT

Friday, April 26, 2013, 2:50 p.m. — Fine Arts Bardstown Society (FABS) has been selected to receive a $4,725 grant that will help the group offer visual art classes for seniors 65 and older.

The grant was announced Friday by the Kentucky Arts Council. The grant for FABS was part of $50,000 in grants the council announced to provide art programs for people over age 65. Six organizations were selected from 20 that applied.

FABS will offer visual art classes for seniors 65 and older in watercolor, pastels and mosaic. Classes have been tailored to maximize the learning opportunities for the age group, and will be held at the Senior Citizens Center in Bardstown.

“Seniors are not a homogenous group. They consist of newly retired people, some who are in nursing facilities or assisted living and others who are independent and active within their community,” said Sarah Schmitt, arts access director for the arts council. “Seniors are not all served in the same way. The programs chosen by the panel to receive grant funding will benefit a variety of the state’s seniors at various stages of life.”

“Creative aging and lifelong learning in the arts” was the grant theme for the first round of funding. AAA grants will be offered on a yearly basis with a theme to address a population of underserved Kentuckians each year.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

-30-