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Welcome to the Senior Resource Connect blog. You can visit the blog each Wednesday at 10am for the latest information about aging, caregiving, COVID, and local resources.

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Staying Creative As We Age

March 13, 2024
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Do you like crafting? The second week of March is Crochet Week, but today on the blog we’re going to explore creative crafting outlets throughout Washtenaw County. There are many benefits to engaging in creative and artistic activities, such as stress reduction, reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, and even improving memory! Below are local art meetups, groups, and classes (all free of cost unless otherwise noted). 

 

  • Ann Arbor Camera Club– Features programs, public exhibits, social events, an annual competition, and field trips throughout the year (1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7pm). 

 

  • Ann Arbor Embroiderers’ Guild– Stitchers of all abilities invited to work on their own stitchery items, join study and community service projects, and learn about guild activities (Mondays September-June @ 6:30pm). 

 

  • Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild– For all interested in fiber arts: weaving, spinning, quilting, knitting, felting, beading, dyeing and surface design, and wearables. Workshops, lectures, critique sessions, exhibitions (2nd Monday September-May @ 6:30pm) (annual dues are $50). 

 

  • Ann Arbor Potters Guild– Cooperatively run ceramics studio with fall and winter classes for adults in basic ceramics. Call for fees. 

 

  • Ann Arbor Quilt Guild– The Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild (GAAQG) is a non-profit organization managed by volunteers dedicated to the art and preservation of quilting, patchwork, appliqué, and related fiber arts. The group also created quilts for SafeHouse Center (annual membership is $55). 

 

  • Ann Arbor Senior Center- Artist’s Open Studio (Thursdays 9:30-11am, $2 for nonmembers)- weekly open studio where we invite you to bring your own projects and art equipment to work on in a creative, and supportive environment. A collection of materials and craft projects are available. Please call ahead. 

 

  • Ann Arbor District Library– offers a variety of free craft programs. Visit the website or call your local branch for more information. 

 

  • Chelsea Senior Center– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. 
    • Quilting (Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm)  
    • Stained Glass (Wednesdays 9:00-11:30am, $3 per class)  
    • Sewing Group (Wednesdays @ 1:00pm)  
    • Open Painting Studio (Thursdays, 12:30-3:30pm) 
    • Knit & Crochet Group (Thursdays @ 12:30pm) 
    • Woodcarving (Fridays 10:00am-noon) 

 

  • Dexter Senior Center– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. 
    • Coloring, Crafts, & Needleworks (Mondays @ 9:30am) 
    • Contact Mary Robinson at (734) 426-5218 to set up meeting times with Mary for free one-on-one weaving lessons. Students will have at least two hours weekly to work on one of the three center looms to make a rag rug, table runner, placemats, or a scarf. Materials are available at the Senior Center or you can provide your own. Beginners are welcome. 

 

  • Lincoln Golden Ages– Quilting and sewing group meets on Mondays from 9:00am-2:00pm. Also offers Crafts with Jean once per month. Call the center for more information. 

 

  • Manchester District Library– offers monthly Maker Night where makers of all mediums can gather and work on their latest project (3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm). 

 

  • Milan Seniors for Healthy Living– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. 
    • Quilting B’s (Thursdays @ 10:00am) 

 

  • Northfield Township Community/Senior Center– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups. Call the center for more information. 
    • Jewelry Making (2nd Monday of each month, 1:00-2:00pm, $10) 
    • Portrait Group (3rd Monday of each month, 1:30-4:00pm, fee TBD) 
    • Knit, Crochet, Craft (Fridays 11:00am-1:00pm) 
    • Painting with Jan (3rd Friday of each month, 1:30-3:30pm, $23) (supplies included) 

 

 

  • Pittsfield Township Senior Center– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. 
    • Watercolors & Painting Artwork (Wednesdays 10:00-11:30am) 
    • Flower Arrangers (Thursdays 9:30-11:00am, $10/week) 
    • Crafting Crew (Fridays 10:00-11:30am) 

 

  • Saline Area Senior Center– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. 
    • Art Club (Wednesdays 2:00-4:00pm) 

 

  • Saline District Library– offers monthly take-n-make craft, plus recurring craft groups. Visit the website or call for more information. 
    • Knitting & Crochet (2nd Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm) 
    • Adult Coloring (2nd Tuesday of the month, 1:30-2:30pm) 

 

 

  • Ypsilanti District Library– offers weekly craft meetups and special events. Visit the website or call your local branch for more information. 
    • LNGO Crafternoons (2nd Friday of the month 2:30-4:30pm) 
    • Knitting Plus (Tuesdays 6:00-8:30pm) 

 

  • Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond Program– offers a variety of recurring craft meetups, as well as special events each month. Call the center for more information. Membership required ($15/resident or $20/non-resident). 
    • Yarn & All That Jazz! (Tuesdays @ 10:00am) 
    • Creative Coloring (Wednesdays @ 10:30am) 
    • Stamping/Cardmaking Club (Every other Thursday @ 1:00pm) 

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