Jon Kay

Quality of Place: Traditional Arts and Creative Aging Resource Guide

Project abstract

Based upon field surveys and public programs conducted in Brown, Dubois, Orange, Owen, and Washington Counties, Traditional Arts Indiana is producing "Memory, Art, and Aging: A Traditional Arts and Creative Aging Activity Guide." The guide highlights the creative lives and practices of elders from the region and provides several culturally specific activities that community groups and facilities can use to engage with older adults. The guide is also a useful resource for older adults who want to stay creatively, socially, and physically engaged with their communities. It is widely recognized that many rural elders in this region are challenged by what gerontologists call the “Three Plagues” of aging: isolation, boredom, and helplessness. This public humanities research and engagement project identifies and shares community-based, culturally-appropriate strategies to help elders address these plagues which may impact their sense of wellbeing. Once completed, the printed guide will be circulated for free, and public workshops featuring materials from the guide will be hosted throughout the region.

Campus partners

• Traditional Arts Indiana

• Mathers Museum of World Cultures

Community partners

• Brown County Art Gallery (Nashville, IN)

• Brown County Public Library

• Traditional Arts Today (Ferdinand, IN)

Counties involved

Brown, Dubois, Washington, Orange, Martin, Daviess, Owen