Garden projects at the Lakeland Senior Center (LSC) are coming together after week three of the Mosaics Studio.
The first three weeks of the weekly course focused on creating designs for their mosaic pieces, said Kim Odom, LSC manager.
Week one they met instructor Kristi Duckworth and got a beginner’s overview of the project and observed samples of finished projects completed by another senior group taking the course. Participants picked out a patterns to draw for their designs, then pressed the designs out of clay during the second week. All the pieces were fired and brought back to the Center for participants to paint and glaze Thursday (2.27.20).
The last three weeks of the Mosaics Studio will focus on placing mosaics pieces to the layout, with grouting the final step.
Attendees are anxious to see their completed projects. “I’ve never done mosaics before,” said participant Penny Monroe. “I’ve always wanted to but never had the opportunity. I’m so glad I signed up for it. I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
The Studio came to the LSC through a Community Development Block Grant awarded to Creative Aging by Shelby County Government. Creative Aging is a nonprofit focused on enhancing older adults’ quality of life through educational, musical and arts programs.
LSC is not the only Senior Center benefiting from the grant. The recently awarded grant allows Creative Aging to provide music and arts programs and classes to seniors living in Shelby County, outside the City of Memphis.
“This opportunity has been amazing for our Center,” said Mrs. Odom. “We have already enjoyed art programs and musical programs that we would’ve never expected.
“Attendees have tried their hand at painting pottery pieces, abstract art and now mosaics,” Mrs. Odom added. “They’ve also enjoyed a performance by magician Jeffrey Day, and a performance by Tennessee Shakespeare Company – not to mention all the wonderful bands we have to pick from for entertainment. It’s high-quality programming.”
… Photos courtesy of Kim Odom
