Connect by Canvas
Using accessible art, storytelling, and creativity focused on emotional wellbeing, to foster intergenerational connection, curiosity, and empathy.
Art makes an impact:
Pieces of artwork created and exhibited
Senior center partners
Senior participants and middle/high-school volunteers
Free workshops facilitated, with 5 unique curriculums
What We Do
Workshops
In-person intergenerational art workshops at senior centers during the winter, spring, and summer.
Including middle and high-school volunteers.
Explore workshopsCurriculum
Creation of an open-source curriculum to be adopted in-person and remotely by other ambassadors and chapters.
Exploring themes of nostalgia, music, food, imagination, and more.
Download the curriculum Coming soonSnail Mail
Monthly thematic snail mail exchanged with senior centers. Includes poetry, writing, artwork, and small trinkets.
Reciprocated with interactive writing and digital oral storytelling from seniors.
Learn about Snail Mail Coming soonNeighborhood Design Events
Intergenerational creativity on a new social canvas.
We partner with local organizations and host events focused on community bonding and environmental preservation, all with art involved!
See neighborhood design events
Our Story
Art doesn't discriminate, and people of all ages can do it.
We've noticed that creative outlets both improve emotional wellbeing and help people from different backgrounds connect. Every person has a valuable story to tell.
The statistics prove that we need to utilize this incredible source:
- 50% cite stigma and high costs as barriers to art therapy (Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2025)
- Intergenerational connections are low, with one in three 50 to 80 year olds citing feelings of isolation (2023 National Poll on Healthy Aging, University of Michigan)
In their words
Notes and letters from the people who sat at the table with us.
Connect by Canvas beautifully combines the benefits of art with the equally important need for socialization, connection, and intergenerational relationships. I highly recommend this program and hope it continues to grow.
Thanks for making me remember colors again. Hopefully you guys will come back and teach us more things.
The workshops made me feel happy. Getting to create art always makes me feel happy. I loved the camaraderie both among the other seniors and between the generations.
The themes were well-thought-out. We displayed our work, and the conversations surrounding the pieces were very lively. I believe that everyone enjoyed getting to know one another through these exercises.
Thank you for considering us as well as teaching us to be free and young again. You make us feel young and useful.
Previous Artwork
A few pieces made at the table. Every one has a story behind it.
Contact Us
Questions, ideas, or a senior center that would like to host a workshop? Write to us.