MAKING THE DREAM BECOME REALITY
Have you ever had a dream? My friend Elisabeth Larson (1941-2021) and I, both teachers in arts appreciation and arts expressions programming for Museum One, were successful in bringing the arts into our Washington, D.C. community, including schools, senior facilities and continuing educational centers. However, we always had a vision of establishing Creating for Life Centers (see: our July 13 blog for the proposal). Although we were not able to fulfill our goal, perhaps you, your friends and members of your community can find a way to enhance and expand your experience of each day through the spirituality of creativity so important today.
Here are two more steps, focusing on music and poetry/literature to begin your journey of self-discovery.
MUSIC, THE COMMUNICATOR OF THE SOUL
Auguste Renoir, Young Spanish Woman with a Guitar, 1898, oil on canvas, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Collection, the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
This program has two major components: Music Appreciation and Music Expressions
Music Appreciation
The World of Music
Weekly sessions cover the historical development of musical forms through the ages, including a) the elements of music, b) instruments and their sounds, and c) the styles of individual composers. Besides a better understanding of music, participants learn how to listen and reflect on the many moods of music.
Results: Personal satisfaction; relaxation and inspiration; elevation to another spiritual level.
Music Expressions
The Joy of Sounds
Weekly sessions that encourage participants to express themselves through singing, playing instruments and creating musical compositions. Besides creating and composing music, participants write lyrics to accompany musical tunes and rhythms.
Results: Achieve self-worth and increase self-esteem; learn how to work together with others; develop sensitivity and a sense of responsibility.
THE POETRY OF LIVING
Johannes Vermeer, A Lady Writing, c. 1665, oil on canvas, Gift of Harry Waldron Havemeyer and Horace Havemeyer, Jr., in memory of their father Horace Havemeyer, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
This program has two main components: Poetry/Literature Appreciation and Poetry and Creative Writing.
POETRY/LITERATURE APPRECIATION
Voices and Visions
Weekly sessions present an overall view of the development of poetry and literature, spotlighting poets and writers and their unique visions of humanity. Being exposed to the many voices of the world, participants have the opportunity to broaden their minds and expand their imaginations.
Results: Provide a comfortable space for open discussions and an exchange of ideas; encourage creative analysis and perceptions; increase reading skills and memorization; help identify the universal thread that unites the human spirit and imagination.
POETRY AND CREATIVE WRITING
The Poet’s Circle
Scheduled sessions inspire participants to communicate through the sounds and rhythms of the written word. By expressing themselves through poems and essays, participants discover the beauty and depth of their own creativity.
Results: Examine and share the richness of language and how it applies to everyday living; promote the freedom of self-expression.
In the public domain, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The National Gallery of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the National Gallery of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
