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Marylhurst Gerontology Association Travels to Whidbey Island
Article submitted by the Marylhurst Gerontology Association,
February 25, 2009.
In the pursuit of the practical application of gerontological theory, an envoy of Marylhurst University students recently traveled to Whidbey Island, Wash., on a fact-finding mission.
The purpose of the late January excursion was to interview a group of senior artists about their craft and life experiences. The artists are members of the Whidbey Island Artists Cooperative (WIAC), an organization supporting artists of varying ages and interests. Six artists over the age of 60 met with the students to discuss their creative process and the effect that aging has had on their work. Marylhurst Gerontology Association co-chair Amy Henderson coordinated the meeting with WIAC member Ed Bennett.
Of the six artists interviewed, only one had an art-related professional career. The others followed career paths in engineering and various business functions; encore careers in the arts came after retirement from the traditional work force. Though each artist specializes in a different art form (watercolor, fiber arts, Raku pottery, photography, acrylics, wood carving), they agreed that life-long learning and a willingness to try new processes are keys to their success. Every one expressed an appreciation for travel, domestic and abroad, and plan to do more as resources permit. The value of the social network, professional support, and personal relationships attained through involvement in the cooperative environment was emphasized repeatedly. According to Ed, the group is "like a family."
The trip was sponsored by the Marylhurst Gerontology Association. Students participating in the project were:
Amy Henderson, BS Business & Leadership, 2006; MA Interdisciplinary Studies, 2009
Ruby Jonsrud, MA Interdisciplinary Studies, 2008
Meagan Lawler, Psy. D. Clinical Psychology, 1985; Gerontology Certificate, 2008
Kelley Shephard, second-year MAIS student
Natasha Niro, BS Business & Leadership, 2006; working on MAIS thesis
Michael Johnson, pursuing dual degrees in Business & Leadership and Communications
The Marylhurst Gerontology Assocition will host a presentation of the students' findings at a later date.