The Middle Peninsula Fine Arts Association of Gloucester, a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts community partner, continues the 2026 lecture season with “The Amazing Benefits of Art on Aging” next Thursday, Feb. 19. Speaker Rick Griffin is a clinical psychologist, artist and MPFAA board member.
The presentation will focus on the positive effects that art and art classes have on the aging process. Griffin will review his personal experience participating in a wide range of art classes over the past decade, beginning with drawing classes and progressing to oil and watercolor classes and plein air workshops.
The program will be at Arts on Main, 6580 Main Street. The free presentation starts at 7:15 p.m. Those who would like to have dinner with the association members starting at 5:45 p.m. at a cost of $26 should email mpfaa1958@gmail.com no later than Sunday.
The benefits of art on aging
The later years are sometimes viewed through the negative lens of physical and mental decline, social isolation and loneliness, said a press release. However, participation in art activities has been shown to enhance cognitive functioning and improve physical and mental health.
Art experiences can affect people by enhancing the brain’s neuroplasticity and by releasing neurochemicals and hormones that have benefits for physical and mental well-being, said the release. Research has shown that art classes have the capacity to also improve quality of life and extend longevity.
Even participating in an art class once a month has been found to potentially increase lifespan expectancy by seven years, said the release. Creating art elevates one’s mood and opens the mind to new ideas.
Art classes foster creativity, develop and refine problem-solving skills and enhance emotional well-being, said the release. They also build self-confidence, promote a sense of individual identity and encourage self-expression.
Art classes are also an important way to enhance community involvement and social support, which are vital components of successful aging, said the release.
The MPPFA’s upcoming lectures are “The Bold and the Beautiful—A Survey of the Neoclassic and Romantic Movements” and “Taking Tea and Taxes.”