On January 30, 2019, EngAGE was pleased to host site visits to ACE/121 in Glendale and the North Hollywood Senior Artists Colony for staff and board members of Covia and Ruth’s Table, two Bay Area organizations with deep commitment to high quality housing and creative engagement opportunities for older adults.
L to R, front row: Kevin Gerber (President/CEO, Covia), Jessica McCracken (VP of Programming and Development, Ruth’s Table), Debra Varner (President, Bethany Center Foundation of San Francisco), Katie Wade (Associate Director of Well Connected, Covia), Jerry Brown (CEO, Bethany Center Foundation of San Francisco), Amie Mack (Regional Arts Director, EngAGE), Mary McMullin (Senior Vice President for Organizational Advancement, Covia), Nancy Goodhart (COO, EngAGE), Tracy Powell (Vice President of Community Services, Covia). Back row: Tim Carpenter (CEO/Founder, EngAGE), Laura Mason (Executive Director, EngAGE Northern California)
Covia – “In over 50 years as a nonprofit, public benefit organization we’ve made a continuous commitment grounded in our Episcopal heritage and values. We believe in helping individuals fortify their own well-being by building strong and engaging communities, connecting people with the services and relationships they need to thrive, and providing compassionate support.”
Ruth’s Table – Ruth’s Table connects diverse audiences through a dynamic combination of rotating exhibitions, artist-run workshops, after-hour and weekend programs, along with free all-day programming open to people of all ages and abilities. It is named for renowned San Francisco artist, Ruth Asawa. Established as an arts initiative within a senior living community in 2009, Ruth’s Table will celebrate its 10-year anniversary as it transitions to the new stand-alone building.
~ Thanks to Laura Mason, Executive Director, EngAGE Northern California
Enthusiasm was contagious as residents talked excitedly about what sort of products they could offer; ultimately crocheted afghans, knitted children’s beanies, soaps, and candles were set up in a pleasing display. Art fair attendees were able to learn about the EngAGE programs and about the residents in personal ways that boosted confidence and pride in craftsmanship. Residents worked for over two months to generate work for the sale, which included everything from creating, marketing, and packaging the work for purchase. Discussions with the Cascadian Terrace EngAGE Program Manager about pricing and display techniques provided additional professional support to residents in the basics of the craft business. All in all, it was a wonderful and inspiring contribution to the Wildwood Arts Fair. Residents are already talking about what they’ll create next year!
