“Arts in Education” isn’t just for kids! Traditional arts offer endless possibilities for engaging with seniors, and grants are available to support folk artists in that work. Get inspired with this FREE virtual workshop presented by our Susquehanna Folk Arts Center, in partnership with BrightNow! and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU).

Come for the stories and be inspired! Bob Welsh and Lenny Tepsich of BrightNow! will share their experiences working with seniors as well as their tips for being successful.

Jackie Ford, Special Projects Coordinator with the CAIU, will talk about Arts in Education grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to support artists sharing their creative skills in educational settings

Our presenters:

Lenny Tepsich is an original member of the Steelton, PA-based Balkan music group Sviraj! which is one of several local artists in our Folk Artists Gallery. Lenny has worked as a teaching artist in local schools for so long that he is known locally as Mr. Music®. He will talk about his experiences translating traditional art into educational settings. He will also share some tips of the trade as a teaching artist.

Bob Welsh is the founder of BrightNow!, a team of educators, musicians, artists, and innovators dedicated to creating “tools that support the social emotional wellness of young learners.” They are committed to creating opportunities for artists to deliver education in schools, as well as augmenting services in communities. He will talk about the partnerships they have developed and the training they offer that prepare artists to work in educational and community service environments.

Jackie Ford is the Arts in Education Partner Manager at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, which serves as the local* Arts In Education partner with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. With a background in business management, Jackie is dedicated to cultivating teaching artist residencies in collaboration with educational and community-based organizations. She is passionate about using the arts to create meaningful impacts and is excited to continue supporting arts education in her role. She will also share funding opportunities available to support your work as a teaching artist.
* CAIU 15 serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and northern York counties in south central PA.

SFMS folklorist Amy Skillman serves as moderator.