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 Alexander—Windham
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.
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.
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.
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. .
Jane Frost
Disciplines: Visual Arts
Teaching Philosophy: I 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.
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
