This summer, Catholic Charities collaborated with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia) to bring Vitality Arts classes to our Minneapolis Higher Ground residents and case managers. These classes offer older adults — the fastest growing segment of both the general population and those in need of housing supports — the chance to learn a new art form, develop within community, and form connections with others.

Building Deeper Relationships Through Artmaking

Over the course of six weeks, Catholic Charities partnered with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) to bring artmaking classes to residents of the Higher Ground campus in Minneapolis, ages 55 and older. Learning alongside residents were two of their case managers: Dynecia Smith and Monique Gooch.

“This gave us a time to get to know about the history of our clients, their hobbies, things that they like to do, things that they think about in their own personal time that they may not be able to express outwardly to everyone,” says Dynecia.

 

 

Serving single adults who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity, Higher Ground offers emergency shelter, deeply affordable housing, and case management to people under a variety of circumstances. Oftentimes, case managers notice that some of their more self-sufficient clients tend to isolate themselves.

Reflecting on how the Vitality Arts classes impacted her community, Monique explains: “the participants that came to this class are some of our residents who would typically just be in their rooms by themselves. I really like just seeing them come out of their shells and showing what they are capable of.”

 

Group Activities Help People ‘Feel Normal’

Participating in group activities like art classes “makes people feel valued…[like they’re] able to get back to having conversations with the general public. It gives people something to look forward to,” Dynecia explains. “Plus, I enjoyed the class. I learned stuff too, and not only about art. It gave me a different perspective. I learned new teaching skills from Lynda, and I learned more about how to engage with my clients.”

“It gives a purpose and it gives something more, you know, than just the mundane, everyday things,” agrees Monique, “For some participants, it has been years since they’ve done ‘normal’ things like this. This was really a new start for some people.”

People like Brad Schubert—as a resident of Glenwood Residence and longtime portrait artist, the Vitality Arts program offered Brad the opportunity to display his work publicly for the very first time. You can find “55 and Better: Vitality Arts at Mia” on view at the museum for free until November 15th.

Read more about the summer classes at Catholic Charities in this recent story from MPR’s Alex Cippole.