Susan Perlstein
Abstract for Arts and Aging! – How to Develop Creative Expression Programs for Seniors
Creativity matters! In this interactive workshop, Susan Perlstein will present an overview of the field and current research findings that have provided evidence of positive health benefits associated with involvement in arts and cultural programs. Participants will engage in exercises demonstrating the three developmental currents in the field of arts and aging: principles of lifelong learning through the arts, fundamentals of arts and community engagement (intergenerational connections), and use of the arts in social service and health care settings. Susan will conclude with best practice examples of creativity and aging programs.
Bio
Susan Perlstein, MSW, is a noted expert in the field of creativity and aging. She is the founder and director of education and training for the National Center for Creative Aging in Washington, D.C. At present, she is the Director of Special Projects there.
Susan is an educator, social worker, administrator, and artist, and has written extensively on creativity and late-life learning. In collaboration with Dr. Gene Cohen from the Centre of Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University, Susan conducted a study which provided evidence of positive benefits associated with involvement in arts and cultural programs.
Straja Linder King
Abstract for Express Yourself: Art
Governor General Michaelle Jean has stated that “. . . Art has the power to inspire. The power to heal . . . and make us believe that there are better days ahead.” This workshop will celebrate the fall season—the wisdom of harvest and the colours of change. Changes are inevitable but growth is optional. Participants definitely do not need any art experience to enjoy this workshop. Straja will extend a gentle art invitation and provide relaxing music to allow participants creative spirit to unfold with beauty and grace. They will be nurtured to express themselves through art in a safe environment. Participants will use seasonal elements from the natural world to celebrate their inner wisdom. The mandala, or sacred circle, will be used to connect body, mind and spirit. Time will be allotted for reflection and discussion on art as a form of creative expression.
Bio
Straja Linder King has a Bachelor in Fine Arts, BA in Art History, and a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. She is a Board Certified Registered Clinical Art Therapist who works with clients of all ages in palliative, rehabilitative, school, long term care, and day hospital settings.
Straja is an educator, printmaker, published poet and expressive arts therapist who designs workshops, and presentations nationally and internationally. She has pioneered art in healing from a spiritual/nature-based perspective in Alberta and beyond. Straja developed the Strawberry Tree Studio for Spiritual Directions along with the Imaginal Trackes the only open art studio in Calgary where she has worked with her international therapy dog, Tangus, a recent recipient of the Alberta Heart of the Hero Dog, commendation 2009 and nominee 2010 for Leadership Calgary. Tangus’ apprentice, Tumbra has an added focus of working in literacy programs. Along with her dogs, Straja specializes in utilizing the expressive arts therapies in her counselling and healing practices to persons with bereavement and grief issues, team building and mediation work. Straja is certified in Healing Touch for animals and EGALA (equine assisted therapy). A highly skilled clinician, Straja has taught and supervised for over 10 years at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and currently teaches at both U of Lethbridge and U of Alberta’s St Stephen’s College.
Jennifer Buchanan
Abstract for Express Yourself: Music
An upbeat presentation ideal for health care workers or volunteer appreciations. Music occupies more of our brain than language. It can help us go to sleep, find inspiration, concentrate and de-stress. For the senior music can quite simply be a lifeline into their past. A medium that brings back positive memories, celebrating a life that contributed greatly to their family and community. This workshop is an inspirational and reflective presentation that weaves stories and songs together. Jennifer Buchanan has touched hundreds of audiences' hearts and minds with her delightful passion, music and upbeat, inspirational presentations. She helps them learn the value of personal music preferences and past musical histories.
Bio
Jennifer Buchanan, BMT, MTA is a professional speaker who specializes in using music to promote home and workplace wellness. She has witnessed the power of music first hand developing hundreds of music therapy programs in Alberta through her well- established company JB Music Therapy Inc. and as Past President of the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. As an author Jennifer has contributed to the text books Creating Connections in Nursing Care Through the Arts and the Autism Handbook 101. Jennifer is a Resident Expert for Autism Today and has been interviewed on radio, television and magazines such as CBC, Chatelaine and Canadian Living.
Presenting to health care agencies, professional groups, family caregivers and educators, Jennifer is a recognized expert on the health benefits of music for children, adults and seniors. As an international speaker, business owner, wife and mother Jennifer believes that music can celebrate with us, help us through difficult times and can speak for us when words are not enough.
David Barnet
Abstract for Express Yourself: Drama
David will lead participants through a typical theatre workshop he would conduct with seniors and intergenerational groups. Games, songs and improvisation will lead to stories, and these will transform into moments of theatre that can be shared with others. The session will be fun, with laughter, spontaneity and reflection: absolutely no drama experience is required! It will conclude with a discussion of the principles involved in teaching/directing drama with seniors. A list of theatre resources and websites will be available.
Bio
David Barnet, BA, is a professor in the Drama Department at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He is the founding artistic director of GeriActors and Friends, an intergenerational theatre company, and the producer of Edmonton’s FEST (Festival of Edmonton Seniors Theatre). He is involved in a multicultural drama program with immigrant seniors, and an Artist-Teacher project, developing best practice in the delivery of drama programs to seniors. He is a 3M National Teaching Fellow.