Creative Aging

A Dose of Creativity.  Source: Creative Aging - NASAA (nasaa-arts.org)
About Creative Aging
Creative aging is an arts-based approach that addresses challenges that many older Vermonters face, such as social isolation, limited access to meaningful arts learning experiences, and discrimination and steroetypes about aging and the elderly.   Participation in the arts improves the emotional well-being of older adults, supports good health, builds community and friendships, and brings purpose and joy to our lives as we mature. Clemmons Family Farm is partnering with Vermont Arts Council to diversify the voices contributing to the state’s creative aging efforts and develop a statewide network of creating aging teaching artists to engage older adults in the arts while promoting health, wellness, cross-cultural learning, and a sense of belonging. 

​Learn more about creative aging at: https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-aging/ 
Contact Kia'Rae Hanron for more information: [email protected]
About Our Creative Aging Teaching Artists Cohort
Clemmons Family Farm's Creative Aging Teaching Artists Cohort is comprised of collaborating artists who are members of the Vermont African-American/African Diaspora Artists' Network (VAAADAN).  They include visual artists, musicians, spoken word artists, movement artists, culinary artists, and multidisciplinary artists who have received professional development training to use their skills as artists to teach and do other types of arts engagements with older Vermonters, and to draw on their special expertise as African diaspora culture bearers. ​

Fees and Funding
Teaching artist fees start at a minimum of $100/hour and an additional transportation stipend is encouraged. Please review the artists' bios below and contact them directly to book their creative aging engagements for your community.  Apply for a creative aging grant from Vermont Arts Council to help cover our creative aging artists' fees!
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Ishmael Ahmed, born in Denver, Colorado, and raised on a subsistence farm in Vermont, has developed a profound connection to the land, particularly the Winooski, Lamoille, and Missisquoi watersheds. With a mother from eastern Oregon and a father with roots in Karachi and Sri Lanka, Ishmael’s diverse heritage has significantly shaped his work, creating a rich cultural tapestry. As an artist, he’s immersed himself in the spoken word and music scenes during the late 1990s and early 2000s, performing across the northeastern United States and collaborating on projects like "Burlington's Free Word Association" and "Neon Grandma." His creative journey, spanning over 40 years, includes writing, visual art, and performances featuring musical instruments such as the mandolin, guitar, harmonica, and ukulele.

Ishmael is dedicated to intergenerational and multicultural engagement, working with elders and youth. His involvement with Clemmons Family Farm highlights his commitment to community and heritage. Ishmael fosters connections with people and places by integrating poetry, storytelling, and music, while his mindfulness practice enhances his compassionate and inclusive teaching style. His varied creative aging engagements reflect his passion for using creativity as a tool for community building and self-expression among older audiences. Examples of his wonderful creative aging engagements include:
  • "How to Make a Photo Poem"
  • ​"Community-Inspired Acrostic" 
  • "Making Stories Together"
  • ​"Poetry for Elders: Exploring Haiku, Senryu, Tanka, and Lunes"
For bookings, please contact: [email protected]

Artist website: Ishmael Ahmed - YouTube
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Mikahely, a Burlington-based singer/songwriter and musician originally from Madagascar, crafts a unique blend of soothing roots and groovy jazz fusion, deeply influenced by traditional Malagasy rhythms. A self-taught musician, Mikahely plays both the guitar and the valiha, a zither-like instrument, to create his distinctive sound.

​His songs address pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and children's rights, while also promoting love and unity among people. Singing almost exclusively in Malagasy, Mikahely’s music resonates with audiences both in his homeland and abroad.

Mikahely recently appeared on the Rocket Shop Radio Hour podcast, which showcases Vermont music and artists, and was featured in the fourth episode of "Forevergreen: A Vermont Adventure in Music." During his appearance on Rocket Shop, he performed music rooted in Malagasy traditions, sharing stories of his musical journey from his childhood in Tomatov to his studio work in Antananarivo. His experiences in Madagascar's capital helped him grow as a musician, meeting and learning from various artists.
After moving to the United States, Mikahely lived in Maine for a year before settling in Burlington, Vermont, where he has found a supportive community that loves his uplifting music that brings light and joy to audiences.

Mikahely is proficient in multiple instruments, including the guitar and the valiha. His performances often feature Malagasy folk songs with his unique twist, infusing warmth and emotion into every line. 
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In addition to his musical talents, Mikahely has a special ability to connect with older adults through his art form. His soothing melodies and meaningful lyrics create a bridge across generations, bringing comfort and joy to elderly audiences. He is available to conduct workshops and perform for older adults, sharing his music and stories to inspire and engage them. To find out more about Mikahely and his music, you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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For bookings, please contact: [email protected]

Artist website: MIKAHELY - YouTube
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Born and raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Robin Michel Caudell holds a BS in Journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. With a rich background in writing and education, Robin is dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of older adults as a **creative aging teaching artist**. She believes in the power of storytelling and artistic expression at every stage of life.

An award-winning Staff Writer at the *Plattsburgh Press-Republican* and a U.S. Air Force Veteran, Robin received the 2023 Veterans Writing Award for *Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir*, to be published by Syracuse University Press in Fall 2025. She was also honored with the 2022 Women of Distinction Military Service Award from NY State Assemblyman Billy Jones.

Robin’s work as a creative aging teaching artist focuses on empowering older adults to rediscover and develop their artistic voices. She leads workshops and programs that help seniors explore creative writing, memoir, and other forms of storytelling. Robin will also present at Furious Flower IV: Celebrating the Worlds of Black Poetry in September 2024, sharing her experience alongside poets Yona Harvey, Teri Lam, and Amber Flora Thomas. Her contributions reflect how life experience enriches creativity in later years, inspiring others to engage deeply with their personal and artistic journeys.

At Goddard College, Robin led teaching practicums at the Samuel S. Vilas Home and Lake Forest Senior Living in Plattsburgh, NY. Using music and films from the seniors' glory years as writing prompts, she encouraged seniors to write down their stories for family and future generations.

Robin’s filmmaking engages senior audiences with history, showing how creative work can bridge the past and present. She is the director, executive producer, and screenwriter for *Witness Tree at Union Road*, a speculative documentary in pre-production. The project, in collaboration with Skidmore College and the North Star Underground Railroad Historical Association (where Robin is a Founding Trustee and Board Member), traces a Dutch-American family’s evolution from enslavers to abolitionists and Union Army soldiers during the Civil War. 

Robin also edited the essay “The Gift That Calls Us Home” by Rebecca Johns-Hackett, forthcoming in *We Hold in Our Hands: Black History Artifacts in Baltimore and Beyond*, to be published by Johns Hopkins University Press in Fall 2024. Her editorial work reflects her deep commitment to preserving and sharing diverse stories across generations.

An alum of Cave Canem, Gotham Writers Workshop, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, Robin continues to model the benefits of lifelong learning and creative exploration. Through her workshops, teaching, and creative work, Robin Michel Caudell champions the idea that our later years are a time of profound artistic growth and expression.

​For bookings, please contact: [email protected]
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Catharine Noel is a seasoned culinary professional with 28 years of experience in the culinary field. She is deeply committed to student development and learning, combining extensive classroom experience with a passion for sustainable, locally sourced food. Catharine has developed and taught a comprehensive 12-week farm-to-table curriculum, providing hands-on instruction and evaluating student performance to ensure practical learning outcomes. Throughout her career, Catharine has held significant roles, including serving as the Lead Baker at the University of River Falls, WI, and as a Pastry Chef and Chef at Lucia’s Restaurant and Bakery in Minneapolis. Currently, she brings her expertise to the Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont, where she produces high-quality pastries that reflect her dedication to the craft. Catharine holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Culinary Arts, earned in 2009, and she continues to infuse her work with a passion for food, farming, teaching, and community engagement. ​
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Julio Desmont is a Vermont-based visual artist whose journey began in his early childhood in Haiti, where he was inspired by the vibrant imagery of trogon birds and the colorful, decorative public transportation known as Taptaps. He typically paints with acrylic or oil paints, and sometimes use mixed media including spray paint.  Influenced by his Haitian culture, Julio’s artwork is  vibrant and has a lot of movement. He chooses to  radiate and reflect happiness in my work, which balances chaos with stability. Influenced by renowned artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe, Desmont has developed a unique modernist style that employs deep, vibrant colors lines and shapes. His artwork is often mesmerizing, evoking a sense of joy and quickening in the hearts and bodies of those who experience it.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Desmont is passionate about education and community engagement.  Desmont also enjoys connecting with older adults through his art. His workshops and activities designed specifically for elderly audiences combine his knack for storytelling with his vibrant and joyful art to bring comfort, engagement, and inspiration to their lives. His ability to create inclusive and uplifting artistic experiences makes him a cherished figure in educational and elder communities.

For bookings, please contact: [email protected]

Artist website: https://www.juliodesmont.com/​
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Grimm Noir is a captivating burlesque dancer, painter, and charismatic emcee, known for their electrifying performances and magnetic stage presence. With a background that combines the sensual art of burlesque with a passion for community engagement, Grimm has become a beloved figure in the performance arts scene.

Grimm Noir holds a certificate in teaching creative aging groups, which underscores their commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression among older adults. Their unique approach blends the glamour and allure of burlesque with the therapeutic benefits of artistic engagement, making their workshops and performances a transformative experience for participants of all ages.

Through tailored workshops and interactive sessions, Grimm Noir skillfully guides older adults in exploring their creative potential, boosting confidence, and embracing their individuality. Their work not only provides a vibrant outlet for artistic expression but also promotes social connection and emotional well-being.

Whether dazzling audiences with their burlesque routines or empowering older adults through creative workshops, Grimm Noir's artistry and compassionate teaching style leave a lasting impact, inspiring joy and creativity in all who have the pleasure of experiencing their work.

For bookings, please contact: [email protected]
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Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Kya Jackson (she/they) has always been immersed in creativity, from singing, dancing, piano, and especially visual art. One of the pivotal moments in her artistry was taking an “Intermediate Painting” class in Spring 2022, which formally introduced her to acrylic painting and the world of color. Much of her personal work explores themes of self-identity, emotion, and memory through depictions of extreme saturation that also express figure and foreground relationships. Furthermore, her understanding of color juxtaposed with time and space has deepened her interest in "encapsulating the moment" through live painting, especially in community with others.

As a creative aging teaching artist, Kya has expanded her practice to work with senior citizens, helping older adults explore their own stories through art. Recently, she completed specialized training through a Creative Aging Workshop to better serve Vermont’s aging population. Kya values making art accessible to all, ensuring that people, regardless of age or background, can find a way to express themselves through creativity.

Kya's style of collaboration with people brings great value in helping them artistically find a way to express themselves through art, regardless of age, creed, or background. Kya approaches her creative work with inclusivity at the forefront, always considering marginalized voices and perspectives. One example of this practice would be live painting at the “What’s Going On?” exhibit in Boston, which used live art and music to highlight the importance of uplifting marginalized voices and creating unity. Another example would be when she led an all-age group mural at the Clemmons Family Farm Juneteenth Celebration, which highlighted the beauty and importance of Black identity and freedom.

Kya’s artistic practice not only manifests for self-expression but also for building connections across generations. In addition to live painting, Kya enjoys working on commissions, light graphic design, and teaching various artistic techniques one-on-one and in group settings. Her current main mediums are acrylic painting, digital art, and mixed media (acrylic paint, colored pencil, marker, and pen). However, she also enjoys exploring watercolor, oil pastel, chalk pastel, printmaking, collage, and, more recently, gouache.

In her free time, Kya loves practicing yoga, creating art, running, cooking, hanging with friends, and watching anime. Her artistic mission is to help everyone, including older adults, discover the joy of self-expression and connection through art.

​​For bookings, please contact: [email protected]
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Naima K. Wade is a prominent poet and writer based in Vermont known for her profound and evocative works that explore themes of identity, culture and the African diaspora. Wade’s writings delves deeply into personal and collective histories, often reflecting on the complexities of race, heritage, and the human experience. Her poetry and prose are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth and insightful commentary on social issues. In addition to her  literary  accomplishments,  Wade is an active participant in Vermont’s  cultural and artistic communities.  She engages with various local, state, and global initiatives contributing her voice and perspective to enrich the state’s diverse artistic landscape. Her involvement in globally recognized education community projects and events highlights her commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding through the arts.

Wade’s work not only resonates with those familiar with the African American culture but also bridges gaps, inviting readers from all backgrounds to reflect on shared human experiences. Her poetry often serves as a  transformative catalyst for conversations about race, identity, spirituality, and social justice, making her an influential figure  in the humanities, both educational  and literary  circles in Vermont and internationally. 

Through her writing, Naima K. Wade continues to inspire and challenge readers of all ages, encouraging a deeper appreciation of unity in diversity and the power of storytelling. Her contributions to literature and character development programs  for youth that promotes the human values inherent in every individual  underscores the vital role of artist in shaping and reflecting positive changes in the world around us.

For bookings, please contact: [email protected]
More about our Creative Aging Teaching Artists Cohort
In 2024, Clemmons Family Farm's first cohort of creative aging teaching artists participated in up to 8 hours of professional development in strategies and best practices for working with aging adults in various settings and 13 hours of professional development in the role of African diaspora oral traditions and the arts as a means of culture bearing and community building.   Creative aging knowledge and skills strengthened in the teaching artists' professional development offered by Clemmons Family Farm and Vermont Arts Council include:
  • adult cognitive development;
  • best practices, teaching strategies, and accessibility for creative aging;
  • working with care providers and building successful partnerships;
  • planning and leading art activities that are accessible and engaging for older adults with a range of cognitive abilities, including dementia;
  • gaining a better understanding of how aging, African diaspora culture, identity, and the arts intersect;
  • feeling more confident in their ability to engage with older Vermonters and build their interest in African diaspora culture and arts;
  • gaining a better understanding of how to grow and strengthen connections with older Vermonters and the organizations that serve them; and 
  • sharing African diaspora cultures, histories, and identities through artistic storytelling.