HeARTsy (Peoria) Art Class Volunteer-Senior Citizens (Referral)

HeARTsy's Executive director, artist and architect, Tina Ferguson, has worked with Seniors since 2009 when she closed her Architectural Fitm to start a for profit arts education business inspired by her own Nana after her grandfathers unexpected death.  Before COVID, Artsy Smartsy was Minnesota and Arizonas largest Senior arts education provider specializing in the fine arts education of seniors with Alzheimer's, Dementia and Parkinson's Disease. She won the Phoenix Major's Art Award in 2018 for her work with these populations. 
 

Because many low income senior communities in Phoenix could not afford arts classes, Tina founded a non profit 501.C3 in 2018 and Heartsy has now taught classes specifically dedicated to this population in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Peoria, Surprise, Tempe and Sun Lakes! 

Each class teaches different arts mediums including clay, decoupage, weaving, alcohol inks, silk and glass painting, puzzle and umbrella painting and so much more! 

We love to have FUN so bring your silly side, your best sence of humor and a joke or two if that's your style! EVERYONE IS ACCEPTED HERE! 

After 15 total years of experience specifically teaching this special group of individuals, we know their attention span, we know what arts materials they are able to safely manipulate and how to keep them moving successfully through a 2 hour program. ( While laughing, singing, smiling, and having FUN!) 

As a volunteer in the classroom we sometimes have a student who would benefit from one on one assistance. No arts experience is necessary, just patience, kindness and a smile.

These senior students' art abilities vary from independent seniors to those with a care giver and significant cognitive decline (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease). They sometimes find it hard to fit into a typical public group arts class and therefore need a special program, such as this, which is catered to their special style of learning. You will be AMAZED at what they create! 

We are looking for (5) volunteers MAXIMUM to help us in class. Verifying by phone is mandatory to confirm your enrollment for this class. Please call Tina upon registration at 651-334-3997. This is our second class in Peoria on this day (please feel free to volunteer for our adaptive arts class which starts at 12:30-2) so please come in and the staff at the front desk will direct you to our classroom. (I park on the West side of the building by the little park and can always use a helping hand loading up after class if you'd like to park on that side as well!)

The minimum age for this volunteer opportunity is 16 with a parent/guardian. Please let us know if you plan to bring a child under the age of 18.

This is a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Please wear comfortable close-toed shoes, and feel free to wear jeans and a solid black T-shirt so the students know who Heartsy helpers are. (Please no shirts with words on them as they are distracting to this population) 

If you have questions, please call or email Tina Ferguson @ (651) 334-3997 or [email protected]

Please note: We are generally not reachable the day of class, during class time or in transit to classes. Questions or comments must be emailed or texted to Tina 24 hours in advance. Pleasr respect our prep time.

Thank you so much for your support! Your assistance in our classes or at 3rd Monday art material preparation day has been absolutely key to our success as a volunteer based NonProfit 501.c3 organization.