The Utah Creative Aging Coalition brings together the state’s leading healthcare, business, governmental, non-profit and educational leaders to join forces in promoting creative aging in Utah.
We strive to expand access to the arts, support and fairly compensate teaching artists, strengthen the creative aging ecosystem and our statewide network, promote positive attitudes toward aging, and influence policy and healthcare practices to recognize the vital role of the arts in healthy aging.
Our goals are to:
The Utah Creative Aging Coalition is proud to support the vision of Utah's Multi-Sector Plan for Aging (MPA). Developed by the Utah Commission on Aging and partner organizations across the state, the plan recognizes the arts as a meaningful strategy for reducing social isolation, fostering connection, and promoting health and well-being for older adults. Through creative aging programs and community partnerships, we are helping bring this vision to life by ensuring that older Utahns have opportunities to create, connect, and thrive.
Event Title: Shared Creativity: Intergenerational Connection through the Arts
Event Date: August 24
Event Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Teaching Artist Name: Carson De Fries
Event Description: This webinar introduces attendees to the core principles that make art programming truly intergenerational, emphasizing reciprocity, shared purpose, and meaningful interaction across age groups. Participants learn how to design activities and facilitate intergenerational classes in ways that support connection, creativity, and equitable participation. The session includes concrete examples and strategies that help teachers and staff bring intergenerational art experiences into their own programs.
Teaching Artist Email: carson.defries@utah.edu
Teaching Artist Bio
Carson De Fries is an Assistant Professor in the University of Utah’s College of Social Work whose scholarship investigates how intergenerational relationships shape wellbeing in later life. Her work examines how meaningful connection, social inclusion, and community-based supports can reduce isolation among older adults and strengthen pathways to aging well.
Event Link: Click this link to join the virtual event at the above date and time
Shared Creativity: Intergenerational Connection through the Arts
Event Title: Zen Moments
Event Date: September 8
Event Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Teaching Artist Name: Linda Rios
Event Description: A draw along class following the 8 steps of the Zentangle drawing method.
Teaching Artist Bio:
Linda Rios is a Certified Zentangle Teacher. She discovered the Zentangle Method in January of
2016. Through her daily practice she regained her focus and love of life after the loss of her husband to
cancer. She knew that she had to share the benefits of Zentangle with others. In the spring of 2017, she
traveled to Providence Rhode Island to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Now she shares this fun,
healing art form whenever possible. Teaching classes at libraries, community centers, kitchen tables
and online, to groups both large and small. If she is not teaching she can be found taking Zentangle classes from
other wonderful teachers.
In addition to her love of Zentangle, Linda enjoys gardening, traveling, music, spending time with friends,
family .
Event Link: Click this link to join the virtual event at the above date and time
Shared Creativity: Intergenerational Connection through the Arts
Event Title: Creating Dementia-Inclusive Arts Programs
Event Date: September 10
Event Time: 10 am to 11 am
Teaching Artist Name: Anne Asman
Event Description: Learn best practices for creating meaningful, arts-based experiences for people living with dementia.
Designed for teaching artists, arts organizations, senior centers, and other professionals, this class
provides practical tools and strategies to foster engagement, creativity, connection, and success in
dementia-inclusive arts programming.
Teaching Artist Bio:
Anne Asman completed an MS in interdisciplinary gerontology from the University of Utah. She has
received a Dementia Dialogues Certification as a trainer and a Utah Certificate of Palliative Care
Education. She has worked with the State Office of Aging and Adult Services and is a co-chair of the
Coordinating Council for the Utah State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Anne
has facilitated several presentations on advance directives and end-of-life planning. She is also an
integral part of the committee with the Department of Psychiatry that is applying for a designated
Geriatric Psychiatry Division. Anne has consulted with Community Nursing Services for the past five
years.
Event Link: Click this link to join the virtual event at the above date and time
Shared Creativity: Intergenerational Connection through the Arts