Dear Friends,

I recently spoke with Karla Klopfenstein Kombrink about her participation in Arts for the Aging's programs at Alexandria Adult Day Services Center. "I'm the last person in the world to think my artistic efforts are excellent, but they are honest! We are encouraged to use our minds, memories and emotions to imaginatively evoke art from our inner-selves," she says.

But, when AFTA teaching artist Carol Siegel announced that the class would draw a series of self-portraits, Karla and her classmates moaned.

"I thought if I didn't want to look at this tired old face, why in the world would anyone else want to?" As they progressed, however, Karla "started to see a unique beauty in the lines and shadows of my many years of living. In each facial distortion, I found a story, a memory, and a milestone in my life."

Won't you make a gift to AFTA today to help us continue these kinds of transformative and joyful programs?

Like Karla, many AFTA participants learn that art-making is a powerful expression of who they are, helping them to appreciate their lives as they are, as well as the beauty of aging, even when it feels hard.

AFTA engages older adults in artist-led workshops in painting, drawing, dance, music, storytelling, poetry and more, focusing our reach to those living with physical and cognitive impairments.

We truly appreciate your support to make stories like Karla's possible.

More than 700 older adults participate in AFTA's weekly and bi-weekly multi-disciplinary arts programming, taking place at 26 community and residential care settings around the DC metro region. Despite health factors like memory loss, dementia and mobility challenges, participants feel more joyful and less lonely after workshops. Memories or imaginative stories are shared, positive emotional behavior like feelings of self-worth are expressed, and more peer interaction and appreciation is observed during and after workshops. Improved posture is a hallmark of our program because attention and self-confidence are strengthened too.

Your year-end gift to AFTA will brighten lives, like Karla's, all throughout the year.

AFTA's pioneering work in the growing national field of creative aging flourishes from the generosity of individuals like you. Knowing of your passion for the arts and empathy for those who want to age with hope and vitality, please, make a donation to AFTA. You can do it in the following ways: by calling us at the number below with your credit card, or online through our website here.

Our year-end goal is to raise $70,000 through this campaign. We can only do it with your help. Please, feel free to contact me if you have any questions at (301) 255-0103 or [email protected].

Thanks so very much for your support!

With gratitude and best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season,

Janine Tursini

CEO, Arts  for the Aging, Inc. 

Impact of Your Gift

Your generous gift to Arts for the Aging, Inc. makes a difference in the lives of older adults - we focus on those living with cognitive and physical challenges. 

For example, your support will help provide:

Click here to make your gift today.