Creative Aging Teaching Artist Roster
Creative Aging Teaching Artist Roster header image

The Maine Arts Commission selected the following artists after conducting an application process with careful review of each applicant. The artists on the roster have demonstrated mastery of an artistic discipline, knowledge and expertise in sequential arts instruction, good communications skills, planning and organizational ability, and an understanding of their target learners.

CREATIVE AGING TEACHING ARTIST ROSTER

Anne AlexanderWindham
Ian Bannon
Portland
Sarah Barnum
Augusta
Gretchen Berg
Portland
Karen Brooks
Lewiston
Christine Burgess
Kennebunk
Patricia Cannon
Brunswick
Sandi Cirillo
Searsport
Randy Fein
Camden
Jane Frost
Richmond
Nancy 3. Hoffman
Peaks Island
Cynthia Larock
Lewiston
Jessie Laurita-Spanglet
Brunswick
Deborah Lewis
Bethel
Bridget Matros
Belfast
Deirdre McClure
Portland
Chris Moore
Brunswick
Pamela Moulton
Portland
Jane Page-Conway
Bowdoinham
Jeri Pitcher
Readfield
Jo Radner
Lovell
Shirleyanne Ratajczak
Waterville
Nancy Salmon
South Freeport
Patricia Schuster
Saco
Lori Sitzabee
Blue Hill
Richard Reitz Smith
Rockland
Martin Steingesser
Portland
Christina Thibault
Gorham
Jude Valentine
East Machias


 

Anne Alexander

Disciplines: Sculpture
Teaching Philosophy: I am an enthusiastic, friendly and warm person with a good sense of humor. I also enjoy both telling and hearing a good story. I have been an art teacher for over twenty years, teaching in both public and independent schools from ages Kindergarten through college to older adults.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 25
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee: Negotiable
Links: www.annealexandersculptor.com

26 Main Street
Windham, ME  04062

 207-671-8272
moc.em@rednaxelaenna

  

  


 

Ian Bannon

Disciplines: Puppetry, Theatre 
Teaching Philosophy: My teaching philosophy is rooted in a belief that we engage with others when we feel as though we are respected, which drives my approach to creating community through artistic collaboration. I meet each student where they are, helping them to find ways in which to embark on a creative exploration with their settings. During the work, I pay special attention to cues from participants who are having trouble hearing, communicating, or participating in activities and enlist their help to make suitable accommodations. Together as an ensemble, we hold a patient, loving space for the growth and exploration of each individual artist.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 13
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee:  $50 per hour plus travel
Links: www.figures.org/ 

38 Prospect Street, Apt. 1
Portland, ME  04103 

207-409-0643
moc.gro.serugif@nonnabnai


 

Sarah Barnum

Disciplines: Pottery, watercolor, sculpture 
Teaching Philosophy: I enjoy working with people of all ages to help them explore their inner landscape, to arouse their curiosity and passions and to awaken their desire to play and create. I will provide the structure, materials and necessary skills to help participants find success and satisfaction in their creative expressions.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 35
Geographic Availability: Central Maine
Fee: Negotiable

664 Church Hill Road
Augusta, ME  04330  

207-622-4905
moc.liamg@45harasmunrab


 

Gretchen Berg

Disciplines: Physical Theater
Teaching Philosophy: I have worked with all ages and experience and I like my peers. I’m 64.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 40
Geographic Availability: No Preference
Fee: Negotiable

24 Linden Street
Portland, ME  04103  

207-653-1548
moc.liamg@stragrebg


    

Karen Brooks

Disciplines: Visual Art
Teaching Philosophy: In addition to having a lifelong practice as a visual artist, I have also worked for twenty years as a nurse and this has helped me to understand developmental challenges over the life span. As an artist, I know that art making contributes to ensuring optimal physical and mental health, as well as social engagement.  In my interactions with older adults, I have witnessed how art activities in a social setting can contribute to an individuals’ agency and a sense of mastery.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 20
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee: Negotiable
Links: www.karenbrooksartwork.com, 
www.facebook.com/karenbrooksartwork/
www.instagram.com/karenbrooksartwork/

104 Spring Street
Lewiston, ME  04240 

802-223-7253
moc.liamg@skoorbelkniwt


    

Christine Burgess

Disciplines: Visual Art
Teaching Philosophy: Throughout my career in adult education I have worked with every socioeconomic and age demographic in Maine. I have learned to meet people where they are. I ask people what they want to know and create the learning environment to serve their needs. I am good at anticipating what is physically needed to build community. Over the years, I have taught students with hearing loss, autism, mental illness and mobility issues. I am an older adult and can appreciate and honor the lived experience each student brings to class with them.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 17
Geographic Availability: Bangor south and west Kittery
Fee: $50/hour

110 High Street
Kennebunk, ME, 004043 

207-229-3357
.moc.liamg@011ssalgaes


    

Patricia Cannon

Disciplines: Collaborative Community Music Making
Teaching Philosophy: My objective is to create a supportive, enlivening community of singers. Because I have facilitated singing with different groups, I am confident in the process of bringing people together in a new way through singing and the gifts this experience can offer to us all. I am sensitive to the developmental tasks of the later years—integration of experience, belonging, new growth, socialization, reflection, strengths and weaknesses—the whole person.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 25
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee: Negotiable
Links: Teaching Plan

47 Rossmore Road
Brunswick, ME 04011

207-798-5618
moc.liamg@3pnonnac


 

Sandi Cirillo

Disciplines: Fiber/Mixed Media, Drawing
Teaching Philosophy: I currently work with adults ages 50 and over in the Senior College program in Belfast, teaching beginner, intermediate and advanced drawing classes, as well as fiber workshops. My most rewarding teaching experience comes when I see older adults come out of their “comfort zone” and take risks in creating their artwork. I love when they think “outside of the box” and I encourage them to do this. That’s one of the many reasons, I love teaching. I want students to take chances and focus on gaining the self-confidence needed to take risks.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 26
Geographic Availability: Midcoast
Fee: $50/hr + travel and materials
Links: www.especially-for-ewe.comTeaching Plan

27 Union Street
Searsport, ME 04974 

207-548-1027
yllaicepse@idnas-for-ewe.com


 

   

Randy Fein

Disciplines: Two- and Three-dimensional Visual Art including interior and exterior murals, clay and mixed media sculpture, pottery, and clay relief tile murals  
Teaching Philosophy: As a teaching artist, I am enthusiastic about inspiring others to discover their passion for creativity. Each workshop I lead is focused on strengthening confidence of each participant’s creative expression with the goal of bringing enhanced joy and self-worth to every student. I believe that everyone has the “skill” to create art. One just requires the interest and the tools to begin. Workshops can be structured to create permanent collaborative artwork for your facility or focused on creating individual works of art. .

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 35
Geographic Availability: All of Maine
Fee: $50/hr
Links: randyfein.com, artsatthecenter.com

P.O. Box 774
Camden, Maine 04843

 207-763 3433   
moc.oohay@stranief


    

Jane Frost

Disciplines: Visual Arts
Teaching Philosophy: offer a six-week series of lessons covering basic drawing skills using line, shape and value. I think everyone learns best in an atmosphere of encouragement, where the emphasis is on the positive. One of my favorite teaching experiences was a project in which I invited several older women from our town to help my second grade students sew simple outfits for dolls and stuffed animals. Everyone gained—the women connected to the youngest members of their community and the children learned that older people have valuable skills, a sense of humor and are eager to help them. My previous teaching experience in the Augusta Adult Education program showed me that older adults need the same encouragement that children do. People of all ages experience most of the same fears and obstacles when learning to draw.


Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 25
Geographic Availability: Within 30 miles of Richmond
Fee: $50/hr., negotiable
Links: Teaching Plan

507 Lincoln Street
Richmond, ME 04357

207-737-8858
moc.liamg@21tsorfenaj

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Nancy 3. Hoffman

Disciplines: Music
Teaching Philosophy: 
I have respect for the experience and knowledge of older adults.  I have taught folk songs and folk dancing for 30 years and have recently begun teaching classes in “How Music is Made” for older students.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 20
Geographic Availability: All of Maine
Fee: Negotiable
Links: www.cascobaytummlers.com,
 www.mainesqueeze.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spBH4ht5K3s

53 Brackett Avenue
Peaks Island, ME 04108

 207-939-0301
moc.liamg@3ycnan3

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Cindy Larock

Disciplines: Traditional dance & music, theater/creative dramatics
Teaching Philosophy: I truly enjoy interacting with older adults and learning from them, especially about their particular cultural traditions. I have devoted a good part of my life to bringing traditional music & dance into nursing homes and senior living centers, performed by youth whenever possible, so that these older citizens can revisit the music and dances from their own youth which they thought was gone forever. Workshops introduce participants to the world of folk dance; instill a sense of pride in heritage among participants; educate participants about ethnic cultures within the local community; provide an opportunity for aerobic exercise in a fun, social context; and engage with youth in a meaningful way.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 45
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee: Negotiable
Links: www.MaineFolqueCo-op.com

Lewiston

 207-782-0386
moc.liamg@kcoralydnic


 

Jessie Laurita-Spanglet

Disciplines: Dance
Teaching Philosophy: Movers of all ages are encouraged to dance, practice creative choice making, and connect with one another through this accessible improvisational movement class. Participants will gain improvisational skills that will serve them in class and in life outside of class, and will walk away with a sense of joy and confidence. All are welcome and no experience necessary!

Student-level Preference: Elders
Years Taught: 10 Years
Geographic Availability: Negotiable
Fee: $50 per hour/negotiable
Links: http://jessielauritaspanglet.squarespace.com

42 Longfellow Ave
Brunswick, ME 04011

 434-989-0904
moc.liamg@telgnapslj

  


 

Deborah Gail Lewis

Disciplines: Painting: watercolor, gouache, acrylic; Sculpture: ceramic, wood, paper 
Teaching Philosophy: I enjoy the stories of people’s lives, the diversity of their viewpoints, and the skills they have accumulated throughout their lives. I have an ongoing watercolor painting class for older adults that I have taught for three years, in which participants have fun, express themselves, and experiment with new techniques. Students also learn new ways to reach out to other people, both in class and beyond. Clay is the medium I use when I visit a sculptor who now resides in a nursing home. And while watercolor and clay provide easy clean-up in a facility environment, I also teach acrylic painting.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 29
Geographic Availability: Flexible
Fee: $50/hr
Links: 

130 Flat Road
Bethel, ME 04217 

207-357-8300
moc.liamg@siwelharobed.straenif 


 

Bridget Matros

Disciplines: Mixed media 
Teaching Philosophy: Humans of all ages learn through play - to that end, I create fun, memorable exploratory experiences where everyone takes away much more than a product or a skill. My students leave with a joyful feeling of connectedness to themselves and their potential. The teachers that welcome me back year after year for my Suminagashi (Japanese Paper Marbling) Program know to expect the highest degree of professionalism, appropriate and varied teaching methods for all kinds of learners, while engaging students deeply and personally.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 29
Geographic Availability: No Preference
Fee:  $150/day, Negotiable
Links: www.bridgetmatros.com/http://tinyurl.com/gr8w5el

53A Cedar Street
Belfast, ME 04915 

617-448-0514
moc.liamg@sortamb


    

Chris Moore

Disciplines: Music
Teaching Philosophy: I am well-suited to this work because of my experience working with the age group. I've also recently become a member of the demographic. 

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 25
Geographic Availability: No preference
Fee: Negotiable
Links: www.317main.org/teaching-artist/chris-moore

24 Lunt Road
Brunswick, ME 04011

207-206-2939
gro.niam713@sirhc

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Pamela Moulton

Disciplines: Visual Arts and Dance
Teaching Philosophy: Community Artist and Art Educator, I have been collaborating with multi-generational populations for over 30 years. Through art, I enable the disabled, bring playfulness to the creative process, and create a safe and loving collaborative environment where we experiment and learn from each other. I have particularly enjoyed teaching a University course where students are partnered with elders living with dementia to create contemporary art.

Student-level Preference: Elders (specifically with dementia)
Years Taught: 25+
Geographic Availability: No preference
Fee: $50 per hour plus travel
Links: www.pamelamoulton.com

11 Dyke Farm Road
Portland, ME  04106

 207-409-6268
moc.liamg@16notluomp


   

Jane Page-Conway

Disciplines: Photography/Encaustic Wax Painting
Teaching Philosophy: I am an older adult and have immersed my life in art. My adult life has been devoted to the production of art and teaching art to people of all age groups. I think that my current involvement in art may serve as an example/model to participants that their age will not diminish their opportunity to make and appreciate art. Workshops will include production of visual art using one or more personal images selected by the student. The composition of these photographs will be considered and then altered by various techniques and processes (copying/collaging; enlarging/shrinking; drawing/painting/printing; using positive/negative space). Participants will be guided in the use of these processes as well as reviewing the elements and principles of design. 

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 26
Geographic Availability: Within 100 miles of Brunswick
Fee: $35/hr, $90/session minimum; plus travel
Links: janepageconway.comTeaching Plan

13 Wildes Road
Bowdoinham, ME 04008 

207-666-3631
ten.tsacmoc@yawnocegapj


    

Jeri Pitcher

Disciplines: Theater
Teaching Philosophy: It’s time to laugh, explore creativity, and give expression to rich life experiences in an eight-week Creating Theater workshop. Meet and connect with other creative, older adults while honing your acting, voice and movement skills. Participants will work to perform written scenes from published plays.  Participants will also create original scenes and monologues through collective brainstorming, journal writing, and improvisation. 

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 25
Geographic Availability: All of Maine
Fee: $50/hr, plus travel
Links: Teaching Plan

P.O. Box 634

Readfield, ME 04355 


207-242-2333
ten.tniopriafym@kwahwolleyj
ude.eniam@rehctip.irej


Jo Radner

Disciplines: Storytelling, Oral History

Teaching Philosophy: I’ve worked with, and performed for, all kinds of community groups and senior centers. I offer a series of playful, creative workshops that lead participants to find memories and shape them into stories, to experiment with traditional folktales from around the world, and to discover and enjoy their most comfortable and effective styles of storytelling. My workshops are useful for those who wish to tell stories to general audiences, adults, or children, and also for those who wish to collect personal and family stories and write or record memoirs. I always design a program to suit a particular place and group.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 45
Geographic Availability: Within 55 miles of Lovell
Fee: Negotiable
Links: Teaching Plan, Detailed Profile

P.O. Box 145
Lovell, ME 04051

207-925-6244
ude.nacirema@rendarj


Shirleyanne Ratajczak

Disciplines: Visual Arts

Teaching Philosophy: Older adults are my peers. I spent over 30 years as the caregiver for my mother, experiencing her many life challenges and changes. I have also worked with older adults in adult education classes and as curator of the Carnegie Gallery at the Waterville Public Library. Workshop participants will learn about their town by sharing personal knowledge of events, journaling life experiences, viewing historic photographs, hearing guest speakers, creating work and installing a gallery exhibit.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 45
Geographic Availability:
Fee: 
Links: Exoptica.com

8 Colonial Street
Waterville, ME 04901

207-872-2425
moc.acitpoxe@ennayelrihs

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Nancy Salmon

Disciplines: Dance
Teaching Philosophy: Moving to music, we will explore space (personal and shared), learn proper alignment for safety in movement, develop our movement strengths, identify and modulate challenges, develop trust and community, learn some partnering/weight sharing skills, share and dance our stories. We will learn the elements of dance and choreography, move and be moved, laugh and sweat, create together, grow our confidence and skills, and open our hearts to dance.


Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 40
Geographic Availability: Within 50 miles of Freeport
Fee: $75/hr, negotiable
Links: Teaching Plan

P.O. Box 178
South Freeport, ME 04032 

207-615 -9737
ude.setab@nomlasn


    

Patricia Schuster

Disciplines: Pastels, Drawing, Multi-Media
Teaching Philosophy: As a trained art educator and art therapist, I have the experience and training to provide meaningful, exciting opportunities designed to enhance participants’ well-being and enliven the community where they live.  I want to share my skills and love of the arts as a way to enrich the lives of the elderly.

Student-level Preference: Aging Adults, Adults with Mild Dementia, Adults with Disabilities
Years Taught: 30
Geographic Availability: Within approximately 50 miles of Saco
Fee: $75.00 hour, materials fee to be determined

5 Landing Road
Saco, ME  04072 

603-817-2653
pmoc.liamg@5retsuhcstta


    

Lori Sitzabee

Disciplines: Music, Theater
Teaching Philosophy: I have worked in long-care since my college years. I have also addressed organizational and care issues in LTC as well. I have also worked in community theater for about 25 years bringing people of generations together.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults, Intergenerational
Years Taught: 30+
Geographic Availability: DownEast (Blue Hill Peninsula)
Fee: Negotiable

PO Box 1401
Blue Hill, ME  04614 

610-334-9978
gro.alusnineplliheulb@rebmahc


   

Richard Reiz Smith

Disciplines: Book arts, letter press, printmaking
Teaching Philosophy: I love working with people who have a story to tell. Older adults have many life experiences and lots of stories and wisdom to impart. I am a patient person and enjoy walking students through a creative and skill based process to achieve creative results.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 
25
Geographic Availability: 
Midcoast
Fee: 
Negotiable
Links: 
www.designandsmith.com

69 Maine Street
Rockland, ME 04841

207-205-1680
moc.liamg@htimsztierdrahcir 


   

Martin Steingesser

Disciplines: Poetry
Teaching Philosophy: I hope to inspire and provide sufficient opportunity for participants to be more aware, more conscious, while providing new tools, or new ways to use old ones, to serve that consciousness in expressive ways. Beginning with attention to experience and the senses for creating word images, writing strategies introduced include imaging, montage, simile and metaphor, associative thinking, repetition and variation, and simplicity of style. Participants are encouraged to explore voice in their writing and the pleasures of speaking and hearing poems. 

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 
38
Geographic Availability: 
All of Maine
Fee: 
$175/hr
Links: 
Teaching Plan/Work Sample

10 Willis Street
Portland, ME 04101

207-828-9937
moc.oohay@gninoopsdniw 


   

Christina Tibault

Disciplines: Sculpture, Mixed Media
Teaching Philosophy:I understand that everyone brings something to the group. Everyone has a limitation or a challenge to adapt, or to overcome and it is the duty of the teacher to recognize this, provide understanding, tools and knowledge to help them accomplish their goals. Also, I just love to get to know people, learn from them, and to develop their ‘voice’ as a creative person.

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 
N/A
Geographic Availability: 
Central and Southern Maine
Fee: 
Negotiable

P.O. Box 271
Gorham, ME 04038

207-577-8623
moc.liamg@tluabihtanitsirhc 


   

Jude Valentine

Disciplines: Printmaking, painting, drawing and collage, fabric painting
Teaching Philosophy: Working with older adults offers so many rewards, as they bring so much life experience to what they create. Being an older adult myself, and having coached so many students, I understand the mental, emotional and physical challenges that can sometimes cause hurdles to accessing creativity for older adults. A key component of my teaching is to establish a supportive and encouraging learning community in my classes. Within this safe environment—be it virtual or in person— students can take creative risks that build self confidence. This self awareness in mastering a brushstroke or a drawn line is a transferable skill, engendering confidence and positivity in other areas of their lives as well. 

Student-level Preference: Older Adults
Years Taught: 
36
Geographic Availability: 
No preference. Happy to travel
Fee: 
Negotiable
Links: 
www.judevalentine.com




moc.enitnelaveduj@ofni