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 summer workshop immersions!
Designed for adults 55 and better seeking a community-based creative outlet, these immersive workshops offer opportunities to connect and create with local Miami teaching artists, explore different art mediums, and draw inspiration from our museum’s collection.
Each immersion runs for three consecutive days from 10am–3pm and includes hands-on art making, artist lectures, and museum tours led by professional teaching artists. Free parking is provided throughout the immersion. Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.
Participants may apply to one or both workshops, though enrollment will be limited to one.
Sculpture Immersion with Liene Bosquê
June 25, 26 and 27
An introduction to alginate body casting, exploring the body through sculpture and hands-on mold-making techniques.
Non-Traditional Painting Immersion with Morel Doucet
July 9, 10, and 11
An exploration of painting with non-traditional tools and materials, including stencils, household materials, aerosol, and repetition-based pattern making.
Participants can expect:
- Engaging studio art sessions over four to six weeks
- Art tours led by professional teaching artists
- A culminating public event celebrating participants’ final projects
Classes are held in English, though non-English speakers are welcome to apply. The workshops are centered primarily on hands-on art making rather than lecture-based instruction. All materials are provided.
This program is made possible through the support of E. A. Michelson Philanthropy.
Due to limited space, enrollment will be application-based and only a limited number of participants will be accepted. We encourage applicants to take their time completing the application, apply only to the immersion dates they can attend fully, and seek assistance from caregivers if needed.
Participation Guidelines
To ensure broad access and create opportunities for as many community members as possible, participants may enroll in up to two Creative Aging (Vitality Arts) workshops per calendar year.
Each workshop will be announced with a four- to six-week application period.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Creative Aging Schedule
Applications not yet open
Fall 2026
Vitality Arts Workshop Series with Sheherazade Thenard
Aug. 24–Sept. 16
Medium: Painting
Culminating event: Sept. 24, 2026
Vitality Arts Workshop Series with Tom Virgin and Shawna Moulton
Oct. 12–Nov. 4
Medium: Book arts and papermaking
Culminating event: Nov. 12, 2026
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.
