ABOUT US
The Aging Artfully Initiative is collaborative group of community leaders and elder activists in Portland Oregon.
Our intention is to create an multi-generational artist community. The focus will be arts, healing arts and aging artfully.
Seminars, workshops and services are being developed with the goal of engaging the community. These services and workshops will benefit from the expertise of our allies.
We hope to strengthen the cultural and financial resources that are essential to all artists, musicians and creatives.
Some of AAI’s visioning includes:
- sharing our joy about vibrancy and aging through media, visual arts and festivals which highlight artistic achievement
- a business incubator
- marketing support to artists
- a mobile art and personal history recording studio
- co-housing opportunities for elders
- administrative services
- workshops
- offices with a central switchboard
We will partner with existing non-profits that are serving the Arts in retirement communities. They are allies who realize the significance of art involvement throughout the aging process. The intent is to develop relationships that foster our mission and encourage collaborative spirit.
The History of Aging Artfully
In 2007 Jim Corcoran became aware of several retirement communities that function as artists colonies on the national scene. JIM visited the wonderful ‘Burbank Senior Artists Colony‘ in December 2008. After his visit Jim was convinced elder artists living-in-community throughout Portland should become a reality.
In 2008, Jim partnered with Gary Marschke & eventually Mary Bedard. They formed an ‘Executive Team’ that meets weekly, envisioning the future of Aging Artfully Initiative.
Executive Team
Jim Corcoran, Founder
As a construction company owner and field technician Jim still found time to revel in his love of Jazz.
Jim is a ‘Jazz Advocate’ who founded the Willamette Jazz Society (2001) in Eugene. In 2004, Jim founded New Land Jazz LLC.
New Land Jazz sustains Jazz and the arts with professional development services and resources for jazz musicians: NLJ presents a yearly Student Spotlight Concert with the highlight (aside from the performances) being the New Land Jazz Student Leadership Award. 2009 was the Fifth year the scholarship was awarded.
NLJ recognizes leadership among the advanced jazz educators through the New Land Jazz Superstars of Jazz Education. All the recipients are from the Portland Area.
Jim has discovered a passion for elders in the Arts and continues his vision for the creative process with the Aging Artfully Initiative.
Jim can be contacted at: jim@agingartfully.org
Gary Marschke
A natural in Sales and Marketing, Gary’s philanthropic tendencies are nurtured by his commitment to Portland. His years of volunteer service benefits many Portland Oregon community and neighborhood groups. Gary is a generous donor of energy in his adopted projects. AAI is a pet project that contributes to Gary’s vision by supporting art and elders in our community.
Gary can be contacted at: gary@agingartfully.org
Mary Bedard
Landscape Architect. Current president of the ‘Friends of Portland Community Gardens’. Mary’s orderly and calming influence is a good balance for both Gary and Jim. A grounded nurturer, Mary envisions self-sustaining gardens, foliage, and surroundings that invite artistic endeavor and interaction with nature. Workshops for gardeners and growing meals to share within the AAI community are part of Mary’s commitment to the organization.
Mary can be contacted at: mary@agingartfully.org
Toward the Future
Our team is growing rapidly and includes individuals and organizations that envision our success. (At our September Allies meeting we assembled 18 friends and supporters.)
AAI welcomes your feedback and suggestions.
If you are an existing Ally of AAI, please be in touch. AAI would love to share your insight and expertise with our community.
