Kansas City, MO. Nov. 29, 2022–An eight-week long Printmaking workshop is the first offering at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City after a grant was awarded to the museum by E. A. Michelson Philanthropy as part of its Vitality Arts Project for Art Museums initiative. The goal of the initiative is to launch a new series of art programs for people who are 55 years of age or older.

“Older Americans are a major audience that is diverse, active, and creative, and bring with them a wide variety of life experiences and interests,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell CEO & Director of the Nelson-Atkins. “We are delighted to partner with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy on these important programs that will benefit the wellbeing of our community.”

The first workshop, Printmaking, explores a variety of printmaking techniques such as dry point, monoprinting, block printing, and screenprinting. Upcoming workshops include Storytelling, Bookbinding, and Ceramics. An exhibition and reception will be held at the conclusion of each workshop.

“Everyone has the ability to make art and be creative,” said Anne Manning, Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement. “The Vitality Arts art-making workshops support lifelong learning and multi-generational social connection while improving the overall health and wellbeing of older adults.”

Programs such as the Printmaking workshop recognize the social, emotional, and physical health benefits of engaging older adults in the process of artistic creation, whether through drawing and painting, ceramics and metalwork, or participating in music or theater. The foundation’s Vitality Arts program model is designed to inspire participants to learn, make, and share an art form in an environment that sparks creativity, fosters friendships, and builds community. At the same time, these programs provide direct support to the working artists who are hired to teach them, providing platforms for these artists to share their knowledge, passion, and techniques with new communities.

Since 2013, E. A. Michelson Philanthropy has invested more than $15 million to fund creative aging programs at art and history museums, performing arts organizations, botanical gardens, and community centers. This latest round of grants totals more than $2 million for a diverse group of nationally prominent art museums including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Nelson-Atkins. Photo credit: Dana Anderson

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The museum opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds.

The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of more than 42,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and Native American and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the Museum is a key educational resource for the region. In 2017, the Nelson-Atkins celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Bloch Building, a critically acclaimed addition to the original 1933 Nelson-Atkins Building.

The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, MO. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday through Monday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission to the museum is free to everyone. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit nelson-atkins.org.