A little Morningside magic

With school back in session, I’m ready to welcome the fall and reflect upon the amazing experiences I’ve had this summer at Artpace. One that quickly comes to mind is creating art with the wonderful residents at Morningside Ministries, a not-for-profit, faith-based organization that provides care to older adults in three retirement communities. They participated in Artpace’s ¿Cómo Víves? program—which invites two organizations to come together and creatively respond to an exhibition at Artpace over the course of six weeks—along with the fantastic kids at The Children’s Shelter.

Artpace Curator of Education Kaela Hoskings and I led the Morningside group; fellow Associate Educator Marisela Barrera and Artpace Assistant Curator of Education Lindsey Smith led the Children’s Shelter group. Participants toured the current Hudson (Show)Room and Window Works exhibitions at Artpace, then responded to a theme or a specific work of art of their choosing. The residents from Morningside were drawn to the theme of storytelling in Thomas Cummins‘s work, as well as the installations in the New Works Now. Collectively, they decided to create papier-mâché sculptures that told their own stories and/or reflected their personalities.

We met every Tuesday afternoon. Tuesdays quickly became the highlight of my week! Sitting with the residents, hearing their stories, and watching them as they courageously left their comfort zones inspired and challenged me not only to create art but to also create opportunities to spend quality time with the people in my life. When a group of people come together for a creative purpose, something magical happens. Time stands still, stress fades, relationships are formed, and spirits are renewed. Thanks to Artpace for giving me the opportunity to participate in the ¿Cómo Víves? program, and thanks to Morningside Ministries for enriching my summer with your love and creativity!

Christina Zambrano began her journey at Artpace in the summer of 2011 as an Education Intern and then as an Associate Educator in the fall. When she’s not at Artpace, you can find her at the front desk of the Spanish Governor’s Palace, leading a Zumba class at Casa Ritmo Zumba and Latin Dance Studio, taking photos around town, dancing away to local music, or cooking up a storm in her kitchen.