programs

Creating Meaning

Designed with three pillars: reflection, connection and discovery, the creating meaning program aims to engage Front Porch residents with their creativity. This is done through programs designed for artists and creatives of all types as well as events. Explore a sampling of our programs below.

The Kitchen Table Art Project

Born in the time of COVID-19, this program offers a way for residents to connect with one another, create community beyond their own community and work together. Zoom meetings offer residents a chance to take time to work on their art or craft (or just listen in) right at their kitchen table.

Conversations are inspiring and include video tours of community studio spaces, individual home art spaces and asking for and receiving feedback on what we are working on. Progress on one’s project is noted at the beginning and end of the meeting and those who work on their art between meetings share what they are doing as well. We have artists working in painting, sculpture, collage, book arts, journaling, quilting, doll making, etc. Learning new techniques and process keeps our creativity alive! Resident driven, great ideas abound such as the upcoming group collaborative installation, “the kitchen table.”

Collaborative Projects

The Collaborative Quilt Project: Out of Many, One is currently underway. All ten CA Front Porch retirement communities are making collaborative quilts. Residents at each community pick the design/theme, fabrics, style, etc. and a group of residents make individual parts of the quilt which then will be joined into one piece. All of the quilts will be exhibited at the gallery as well as in a travelling exhibition to all ten communities. Quilts will then be auctioned or raffled at each community. Another great idea to create community!

Featured Artists

Front Porch is home to many artists, some new and many are lifelong creators. Each year residents share their work in our Creating Meaning exhibitions. Their work ranges from painting, photography, quilts, sculpture, ceramics, wood working, doll making, knitting, books, embroidery, mixed media, etc. Residents are also featured in solo exhibitions at the Front Porch Home Office in Glendale.

We invite you to enjoy the work of these residents.

Sheldon Edelstein

Clarita Woodworth

Thomas Hong

Carol Abbe

Events such as those inspired by India, where residents enjoyed a cultural experience of India including food, décor, music, dance performances and storytelling. Additionally, there was a special photography exhibition, the opportunity for residents to put into writing their messages to the world thru MessageGrams, and the popular collaborative floral mandalas. The mandalas and MessageGrams were a huge hit when exhibited in the Creating Meaning all resident art exhibition.

India Inspired Events

Workshops / Art Kits

In-person workshops in book arts and printmaking, etc. held at communities with independent living and assisted living residents.

Online classes are being planned with emphasis on residents teaching residents.

Art kits with projects for residents who reside in memory care or care center accommodations are designed to be complements to our other programs and to be enjoyed by and completed by all. Some resident’s family members enjoy working with their loved ones on these projects. Examples are book arts, and mandala adult coloring.