Last January, Meals on Wheels launched the Senior Artist Cohort. A group of 12 older adults gathered monthly at ArtWorks for studio sessions in which they explored artistic skills and worked on their own projects. Guidance and resources were provided by Cincinnati Art Museum. The sessions were led by Cincinnati-based teaching artist Annie Ruth, who taught participants how to view concepts of time, aging and identity through artistic expression.
Ruth shares her insights on the experience below.
Artistic Techniques and Media
This series incorporated a range of mixed media approaches, allowing participants to explore creativity across multiple formats. Techniques included collage, layered mixed media compositions, and dot painting using acrylic paint applied with Q-tips.
Participants worked on a variety of surfaces including watercolor paper, cardboard and canvas. While acrylic paint served as the primary medium, several residents gravitated toward collage and experimental mixed media practices, demonstrating a willingness to explore texture, layering, and personal expression.
Emerging Themes and Creative Exploration
A central theme that emerged throughout the sessions was reflection on childhood and earlier life experiences, particularly life before illness or major life transitions.
Many participants revisited formative memories, using art as a pathway to reconnect with identity and personal history. For some, this included processing deeply emotional experiences. One participant, for example, created a mask inspired by childhood memories tied to identity and absence—revealing unresolved emotions related to never meeting her birth mother.
Moments like these often led to organic community support within the group, as fellow residents offered comfort and presence. These interactions highlighted the role of art not only as a creative outlet, but as a tool for emotional healing and connection.
Additionally, for at least one participant who had previously abandoned painting, the series sparked a renewed passion for art, demonstrating the program’s ability to reignite creative identity.
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Working Across Skill Levels
The cohort included participants with a wide range of artistic experience—from complete beginners to those with prior exposure to art-making.
Introducing foundational techniques to newcomers was met with openness and enthusiasm. Participants engaged without hesitation or intimidation, creating an environment defined by freedom, curiosity and mutual encouragement.
For more experienced participants, the sessions provided opportunities to deepen their exploration through mixed media experimentation.
Notably, the experience inspired a group of residents from the Hillcrest building to establish their own creative collective, now known as the Hillcrest Artist Society, where they continue to create art within their residential community. This outcome reflects a lasting impact beyond the structured sessions.
Artist Insight and Personal Impact
This experience offered a profound realization about access, proximity, and community need. While facilitating sessions in Walnut Hills, it became evident that many participating seniors were being transported from the Roselawn area—the same community in which I live.
This raised an important question: Why aren’t these experiences happening directly within the neighborhood where participants reside?
As a result, I have begun taking steps to support localized programming, including securing resources for art supplies to sustain the newly formed Hillcrest Artist Society.
This experience reaffirmed a core belief: art is a powerful vehicle for breaking down barriers, building bridges, and empowering individuals and communities. When access is aligned with place, the impact deepens—and sustainability becomes possible.
You are invited!
The Senior Artist Cohort culminates in an exhibition of works completed by artists during studio sessions. The gallery will be on view for one day only on Friday, May 29, in the Marek Family Commons of the Cincinnati Art Museum. A reception will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.