101-year-old brings art to aged care
Last year, we brought you the story of 100-year-old Eileen Kramer, the longest-living working choreographer and dancer in the world. Now 101, Kramer, who is also an artist, author and costume designer, is still breaking new ground, bringing creativity and joy to Australian aged care facilities.
In an effort to improve quality of life for older Australians, Kramer has set up a crowdfunding campaign to bring art programs to aged care homes around the country. Working together with the Arts Health Institute and fashion designer Brigid McLaughlin, the centenarian has created a range of ethically-sourced and environmentally-friendly scarves to raise money for the cause.
“I have lived on this earth for a long time,” Kramer writes on her Pozible page. “People ask me, what is your secret? When you’re creating, you’re always doing something new. It’s the opposite of old.
“Creativity is what makes the world go around. In engaging in truly creative work, you are releasing the little child within. The child’s view of the world is forever new and young. We all have it within us.”
The campaign smashed its original goal of $12,000, earning almost $15,500. Now that the funds have been raised, the Arts Health Institute will begin training artists to bring Access to Express art programs to Australian aged care facilities. “Access to Express will provide meaningful, paid and sustainable work for Australian artists and allow the creative spirit to flourish in residential aged care.”
What a wonderful project. Click here to learn more and tell us what you think of the program in the comments below.
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