Participants in MTZ Charitable’s older adult art program will take part in Madison’s Gallery Night on Friday, Nov. 6 at ART House 360 with an art sale and showcase to raise funds for the organization’s planned Family Life Center.
MTZ Charitable offers a variety of programs for older adults, including yoga, outings, exercise and art classes. The organization serves about 300 older adults, primarily Black, creating opportunities for social connection while promoting health and wellness. Its programming also aims to address disparities affecting underserved and marginalized communities.
The art showcase and sale comes as MTZ looks to raise more funds and give its older adults a chance to showcase their work. For many, they weren’t artists before, or believed themselves to be, but the class has built confidence and excitement as they join the city-wide celebration of art.
“Some of them had no idea that they could create art until they actually picked up a paintbrush and put it to canvas, and I think for most, they started coming to class on a whim as a way to get out of the house to enjoy a good meal,” said Deana Wright, founder of the Wright Place Inc and director of MTZ’s older adult programs.
Classes are aimed at helping reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental health, helping with memory loss and helping with motor skills, Wright said.
(Photo by Deana Wright)
As the day draws near for the art sale and showcase, the participants are getting more excited. Wright is excited for the community to see the new artists show off what they’ve been able to accomplish in the year since the class began.
“Our oldest participant is 92. I think people will be awestruck when they see the artwork she’s created,” Wright said. “A blank canvas can be intimidating, especially when you’re a person who’s new at learning to paint or draw. But week by week, I’ve watched it become a place where older adults find color, they find confidence, and they really find a community at our programs, which is just awesome. Because even though older adults retire, creativity doesn’t retire. Sometimes it’s simply waiting for someone to hand you a paintbrush.”
Wright noted that the art class, and opportunities like the art sale and showcase, are part of the healthy ecosystem of aging. It’s not just about exercise and nutrition — having a space where people can express themselves, show up as their authentic self and build community are just as vital
Around 20 people attend the class, but only 10-15 will be showcasing their art. Prints will be sold for $20, and some will sell their original pieces. For the prints, half of the proceeds will go towards the artists, while the other half will go towards costs to make the prints. The space has been provided for free at ART House 360
Even if someone isn’t interested in purchasing art, Wright still wants people to come to build community. There will be wine, charcuterie and apple cider available, and there’s a chance to see beautiful pieces created by people who never thought they would be an artist.
“There’s one lady who has never thought she could do anything like this. She just came to the class; this particular person lives across the street and she heard about [the class]. She has a Bob Marley she drew. It’s amazing,” Wright said. “Many of the folks that come, first of all, they are on fixed incomes, and they have many, many health challenges … But they sit down, they listen to the music, they laugh, they dance, they eat, and they pick up those paintbrushes. It is truly incredible what they create.”
MTZ Charitable’s art show and sale will be held on Gallery Night, Friday, Nov. 6, at ART House 360, 401 W. Verona Rd., Verona, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It is free to attend; no registration is required.
