Enhancing Social Connection through Arts and Technology

Creative Care Kits

Through our Enhancing Social Connection through Arts and Technology program, CVCOA provides Creative Care Kits, technology deivces and training, and opportunites for social connection for older adults at home. The kits include enough high-quality supplies and materials to ensure ongoing active participation for a minimum of 8 months. We currently offer five different kits:

Watercolor		Drawing and Illustration
The watercolor kit, developed by teaching artists Mariano Henestrosa and Alexandra Turner, includes watercolor paints, paper, paintbrushes, and other tools accompanied by a binder with activities and a copy of the book A Field Guide to Color: A Watercolor Workbook by Lisa Solomon.		The drawing and illustration kit includes materials for drawing, sketching, and coloring, as well as a notebook for journaling, accompanied by a bind with activities for basic drawing and illustration,  and a Lifepath project that combines writing and drawing, all developed by teaching artists Christine Mix, Susan Rosano, Susan Sawyer, and Carrie Caouette-De Lallo.

Writing Poetry		Crafting
Developed by teaching artist JC Wayne, this kit includes materials for writing and coloring, along with supplies for an origami project included in the activity binder. Several of the activities accompany the included book I Know an Artist.		The crafting kit includes materials and activities for collage and rock painting. Developed by teaching artists Susan Rosano and Jess Weitz, this kit provides a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful pieces of art to give as gifts or to decorate your home.
Digital Drawing
The digital drawing kit was developed by teaching artist Meredith Holch. The activity utilizes the Sketchbook App on an iPad to help people dive into the world of digital artmaking. Recipients of this kit can request an iPad if needed and participate in training to build technology skills.

Please note that depending on the kit you select, it may take up to 6 weeks to receive your kit. 

Creative Companions

Creative Companions are participants who volunteer to connect with other participants by phone, Zoom, or in-person, providing ongoing motivation and helping to drive conversations and storytelling around creativity. These pairings offer an essential point of connection for the program. One participant noted, ""It has been great to have an "art buddy," to talk to about art. I am not very good at art in solitude." 

 

Technology

Participants can opt-in to receive a free, six-month iPad loan and free technology training. Our Community Engaged Tech Specialist meets with iPad recipients to offer guidance on e-mail, Zoom meetings, and more. After this intitial training, participants have the option to continue with our partner technology organization, Technology4Tomorrow.

Technology4Tomorrow also offers free, bi-weekly drop-in and special-topic training sessions.

 

Live Virtual Sessions with Teaching Artists

To further support creative skill development and sharing of creative work, Creative Care Kit participants also have the option of attending live virtual sessions on Zoom. Led by the professional teaching artists who creatived the kit activities, these sessions are a great way for participants to engage with others and build social connection while at home. Teaching artists offer a skill-building activity, facilitate the sharing of work, and offer time to answer questions about the activities. 

 

CVCOA is grateful to the Vermont Arts Council, Vermont Community Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts for generous grant funding to make these programs possible.

In 2022, CVCOA received an Aging Innovations Award in the Social Engagement category from USAging for our Enhancing Social Connection through Arts and Technology program. We need your help to continue this effort!

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