Northwind Art, alongside the Olympic Area Agency on Aging, is thrilled to offer a series of workshops for folks experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.

The Aging Creatively workshop series offers a welcoming and supportive space for individuals experiencing memory loss, and their caregivers, to connect through art. Led by experienced instructor Jodi Ericksen, these every-other-week sessions provide time for creative exploration, self-expression, and meaningful social engagement.

Based on the very successful Creative Aging program created by the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, these art classes are designed to foster connection, creativity, and cognitive engagement, enriching the lives of the people who take part.

Each session is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various skill levels, focusing on simple painting or mixed-media activities that stimulate cognitive function while fostering joy and connection. Caregivers and participants create side by side, strengthening their bonds through shared artistic experiences.

Held at the Northwind Art School at Fort Worden, these classes have all materials provided, ensuring accessibility for all. Whether rediscovering a love for art or trying something new, participants will leave each session with a sense of accomplishment, community, and creative inspiration.

Join us every other week as we celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of artistic expression!

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jodi Ericksen is a local artist who in recent years has specialized in block printing, while also enjoying mixed media, collage, water color, oil pastels, acrylics, fiber arts and more. Her work stems from the soul, and she believes art comes from the places within us without words. She views the expression of art as an act of simply setting our minds free, as well as a place to connect with and release feelings and emotions. In addition to her work as an artist, she is also a mother, a massage therapist, and a graduate student in Seattle University’s Licensed Mental Health Counseling master's program. Her future intention is to work with clients by utilizing talk, somatic, and art therapies.

Funding for the aging Creatively program is provided by The Olympic Area Agency on Aging.

This course is limited to individuals diagnosed with memory loss and their caregivers.

One registration covers enrollment for two people. This is not a respite program. Individuals experiencing memory loss must be accompanied by their caregiver.

Registration is highly encouraged so that we have enough seating and an accurate amount of art-making supplies, however a limited number of walk-in spaces are available for each session.

Spend an enjoyable day painting landscapes en plein air while learning the tricks to painting with gouache as well as how to simplify a landscape for a painting. Some experience with any paint and mixing colors is recommended.

Gouache has several advantages for plein air painting. Your supplies are compact and lightweight and you could even paint in your lap in a pinch. You don't need solvents and can paint on paper, and you paint smaller and more quickly.

*the classic wooden french easels are fine, as are the pochade boxes and uprights attached to a tripod, which are lighter weight.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

You will need to bring

• your own plein air easel (the classic wooden french easels are fine, as are the pochade boxes and uprights attached to a tripod, which are lighter weight) OR at least a camping table to use with one of our table top easels or just to have beside you if you paint in your lap.
• collapsible chair or stool to sit on, even if you stand to paint (it's a long day)
• brimmed hat
• lunch and water (there are some cafes nearby with limited food and drinks)

We provide gouache, paper and brushes, but feel free to bring your own watercolor journal or pad if you want. If you choose to bring your own gouache, it should be artist/professional grade, not student grade.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

This course will introduce students to the art and craft of silversmithing. Teaching artist Sarah Calautti will guide students through the process of creating a simple ring including forming a bezel, soldering, cutting out and filing backplates, forming a ring shank, burnishing a bezel around a stone, and adding textured details.

Students will work with an open flame torch, soldering flux, various tools, and sterling silver to create their very own heirloom. Bringing your own special piece of sea glass is encouraged, but various stones will also be available for students to choose from. Students must be able to hold a torch, pliers, and files for short amounts of time. No previous experience or prerequisites required.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required materials and tools will be provided, however students can bring their own special cabochon or piece of sea glass if they wish.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Calautti is a self-taught silversmith who blends traditional, southwestern silversmithing techniques with Pacific Northwestern scenes. She began her journey as a silversmith while living full-time in a school bus. After landing on the Olympic Peninsula and becoming enveloped in its maritime forests and kelp beds, her work has become a direct reflection of the beauty that she finds here.

Artist website: Ómós Jewelry, @omosjewelry

Acrylic is a versatile and convenient painting medium, but it has its challenges. In this class with all supplies provided, we'll explore just about everything — from which types of acrylic paint and brushes to use, what the mediums and additives are for, and how to mix colors, blend colors and slow drying time.

After some fun color theory exercises, we will dive into painting still lifes to become more fluent in the medium. Then we'll finish with an abstract landscape.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

• An 11x14 or larger mixed media or watercolor sketchbook

ABOUT ANNE

Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

Artist website: Anne Pfeiffer, @annepfeifferartist and @annepfeiffer

Wearable Art is beyond fashion — it is sculpture on the body. This camp encourages creativity and imagination. First a drawing, and then using the wide variety of materials and techniques to make it a reality! Expert teaching artists Margie and Michele will cover vision, design and construction and performance.Wearable art campers also learn skills that consider movement and safety. Using a sewing awl on cardboard, hot glue, staplers and duct tape, we will make a sturdy construction that students can use again and again. We will talk about presentation, movement, and how to incorporate surprise elements. A variety of materials like paper, fabric, wire, streamers, foil, plastic, vinyl, sticks, string, ribbons, foam, vegetable net bags, plastic odds and ends, paper mache and more will be available in the classroom, while students are welcome to bring additional materials.

Campers can use the sewing machine if they’re interested, and they will have a chance to finish their pieces using acrylic paint techniques and other enhancements. These five days are an adventure of imagination and construction — no previous art experience necessary.

The week will finish up with a wearable art show.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required art supplies are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Fiber artist Margie McDonald is a founder of Port Townsend Wearable Art Show and has shown her work at WOW New Zealand, the biggest wearable show in the world. Margie is a sculptor and wearable art artist and teacher, she is a costume and set designer at Key City Public Theater. Port Townsend, New Zealand and Hollywood have seen Margie's wearable art creations on the runway. She has taught wearable art construction from her native Newfoundland to most teaching venues in Port Townsend.

Artist website: Margie McDonald, @margiem_art

The horse pasture was Michele Soderstrom's grand studio as a child. Self taught, for hours she sat sketching her horse as it grazed. Michele has a BA in Visual Arts Teaching, minor in Studio Art, through Central Washington University, and is an award-winning artist with her equine art. She has taught creativity through art since 2008. Today she paints and sells work professionally. Michele enjoys watching the process of her high school students as they gain art-making skills and find their place within personal creativity.

Artist website: Michele Soderstrom, @horsepainter9

Let's spend a few hours together sketching "in the wild" (a.k.a. en plein air) on site in Port Townsend. This is a fun opportunity to practice drawing what you see while also enjoying being a part of a group of artists. You might even find a new fun art passion that doesn't also drain your wallet.

We will meet downtown where teaching artist Anne Pfeiffer will demo and discuss how to simplify the chaos, use value tones, see angles, types of lines, as well as other tips and tricks for success. Any style and level of experience succeeds when sketching, although you should have some drawing experience in order to not feel completely overwhelmed.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

• A sketchbook of mixed media or sketch paper (not watercolor paper), 5" x 7" up to 9" x 12". Bound or spiral with a stiff backing (no tear out pads).
• A couple office paper clamps for holding pages closed if it gets windy.
• 2B, 4B, 6B or 8B pencils and erasers.
• Ultra fine tipped pigment markers (like Microns) or drawing pens.
• A small right angle plastic triangle.
• A portable lightweight chair or tripod stool.
• Hat with a brim.
• Water and snacks.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Anne Pfeiffer has a graduate degree in painting and decades of experience as a high school art teacher, community college art instructor, and adult and teen workshop instructor. She currently lives in Port Angeles and paints landscapes and still lifes, often plein air, and participates in regional and national exhibitions and events.

Artist website: Anne Pfeiffer, @annepfeifferartist and @annepfeiffer

Spend two inspiring days combining outdoor observation with hands-on studio practice in this color woodcut printmaking workshop with Charles Spitzack. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Fort Worden State Park, you'll begin by sketching en plein air and capturing the textures, shapes, and spirit of the landscape.

Back in the studio, Charles will guide you through the process of transforming your drawings into bold, expressive woodcut prints. Using non-toxic inks and delicate Japanese washi paper, you’ll learn to carve and hand-print your image—no press needed—making it easy to continue printmaking at home.

Whether you're new to the medium or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers a joyful and immersive approach to printmaking in conversation with nature — no experience necessary.

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials and supplies are provided. Cutting-tools will be loaned to each student.

ABOUT CHARLESCharles Spitzack is a visual artist, educator, and carpenter living and working in the Pacific Northwest. Committed to communal aspirations, equality, labor rights, environmentalism, and leveling the playing field, Spitzack has found woodblock printmaking to be an excellent way to express his thoughts and feelings. Drawn to this medium by its practical process, boldness, and direct mark making he has found freedom within its walls, and aspires to share this with others through education and art sharing. 

Artist website: Charles Spitzack, @spitzattack

Explore the beautiful world of the sea through beach adventures and art at Fort Worden. Spend the first half of the day at the beach with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and then head to Northwind Art for crafts, story, and outdoor games with local youth arts educator Myco from Wild Child Arts Education. We will make projects such as finger crochet octopi, needle felted orcas, and sewn starfishes. Every day there will be crafts, stories, and games to play as we learn more about the ocean and all its delightful creatures!

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required art supplies are provided.

ABOUT PTMSC

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center works towards its mission of inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea during summer camps with activities that engage participants in imagination and inquiry. From building animal sculptures out of sand on the beach to surveying for signs of invasive European green crabs, campers create art and make scientific connections with Carolyn, who often uses art as a science communication tool as part of her work as PTMSC’s Education Manager.

Website: Port Townsend Marine Science Center, @ptmarinescictr

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Fiber artist Myco Robinson has studied weaving with plants, animal fibers, felting, and spinning. They have over 25 years of experience working with children, teaching art in public and private schools and running kids camps as Wild Child Arts. They have been teaching community art classes to adults and families for 15 years.

Artist website: Myco Robinson, @feralfinearts, @feralrefined, @feralfelt, @wildchildartseducation