Creative Aging at Pérez Art Museum Miami is a free arts education program designed for adults ages 55 and older. Since 2023, the program has brought together older adults to learn new skills, connect with professional artists, and build community through creative practice.
Over the years, Creative Aging has offered workshops in ceramics, book arts, textiles, sculpture, photography, and more. To date, more than 257 participants have taken part in over 18 immersive 6-week and intensive 3-day workshops.
Our mission is to foster creativity, lifelong learning, and connection among older adults by providing high-quality, accessible arts programming led by local teaching artists.
Now Open for Application
Apply today to our Creative Aging Series starting October 12, 2026 and running through November 12, 2026.
Designed for adults 55 and better seeking a community-based creative outlet, this free workshop series offers participants the opportunity to connect and create with local Miami teaching artists, immerse themselves in a focused art medium, and draw inspiration from the museum’s collection.
This fall workshop, led by artists Shawna Moulton and Tom Virgin, will explore the art of papermaking and handmade artist books. Participants will begin with Shawna, learning how to transform recycled paper into pulp, form their own sheets of paper, and dry and prepare them for use. The workshop will then transition to bookmaking with Tom, who will introduce two to three handmade book structures. Participants will incorporate their handmade paper into their final artist books, bringing the two processes together from start to finish.
Expect engaging studio art sessions over four weeks, gallery tours led by professional teaching artists, and a culminating public event celebrating your final projects.
Free parking is provided for all participants throughout the program.
Schedule
Week 1: Orientation
October 12, 2–5pm
Week 1: Workshop Programming
October 14, 2–5pm
Week 2: Workshop Programming
October 19 and 21, 2–5pm
Week 3: Workshop Programming
October 26 and 28, 2–5pm
Week 4: Workshop Programming
November 2 and 4, 2–5pm
Culminating Event
November 12, 6–8pm
Disclaimer
Space is limited, and participation is by application. Applications are reviewed based on responses to the questions below, with priority given to applicants who can commit to the full workshop series, may have limited access to arts programming, and would benefit meaningfully from the experience.
Workshops are conducted in English; however, non-English speakers are warmly encouraged to apply. While instruction will be in English, our teaching artists and staff will do their best to support participants across language differences.
To ensure broad community access, participants may enroll in a maximum of two Creative Aging workshops per calendar year.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Creative Aging Schedule
Applications not yet open
Staying Connected
If a future workshop interests you, we encourage you to:
- Save the dates
- Check back as the season approaches
- Follow PAMM Education or subscribe to the PAMM newsletter for application announcements
Teaching Artists
We are proud to have collaborated with a diverse group of Miami-based artists, including:
- Liene Bosquê – mold making and body casting
- Beatriz Chachamovitz – drawing and ceramics inspired by South Florida’s waterways
- Carolina Cueva – ceramics
- Diana Eusebio – textiles and natural dyes
- Nereida Garcia-Ferraz – painting and color theory
- Isabella Marie Garcia – papermaking
- Bex McCharen – textiles and design
- Aramis O’Reilly – painting
- Tom Virgin – book arts and printmaking
These artists bring their unique practices and perspectives, helping participants explore new forms of creative expression while celebrating Miami’s cultural landscape.
FAQ
Participant Testimonials
“The program changed my life completely. It opened possibilities of what I can do after 60. Being creative again made me feel useful and meaningful. I look forward to the years to come. I hope that others can have the experience that I had on this five-week course in art.” – Orlando-P.
“Participating in the Aging Creative Adult Group at the Pérez Art Museum Miami has been a truly transformative experience for me. As someone over 55, it can be difficult to find time—or even allow myself the space—to engage in activities that enrich my well-being. This program has offered not only painting and handmade bookmaking classes, but also something much deeper: a safe and welcoming space to connect with others, express myself, and heal.” – Rocio T.
Organization and Support
