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Eight 7th grade students from Kato Public Charter School and eight senior residents from Old Main Village senior living community are partaking in a special six-week relationship-building experience. Each student-senior pair will create a stained, glazed and fired ceramic bowl.

Artist Michelle Kaisersatt will lead the pottery program. Her passion for building intergenerational relationships goes hand-in-hand with the senior living community’s mission. Michelle works to cross-generational bridges and alter the fabric of a community in a positive way through art. Old Main Village has a longstanding tradition, with its Ages Entwined program, in providing regular opportunities for sharing and learning between young and old.

Working with clay itself has surprising benefits. Not only does it boost brain health by encouraging creativity for all ages, but it is therapeutic, and helps increase self-esteem and a sense of pride in accomplishment. Playing with clay helps stimulate the mind and creates a soothing effect, which can be helpful for seniors who experience stiffness with arthritis, and children developing fine motor skills.

At the end of the six-week experience, Old Main Village will hold a reception for the students, their families, and the seniors to celebrate and display their pieces.

The exhibit will travel to the Blue Earth County Library for public display during the month of May.This activity is made possible by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.

Classes:
March 22, 29 & April 5, 12, 19, 26
3:15-4:45 p.m.
(contact Denise Gustafson or Lauren Dosland for the activities taking place during each class)

Reception:
April 30 at Old Main Village
2:00-4:00 p.m.

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