Creativity is blossoming at 299 Greenwich Ave, home to both the Wallace Center (formerly known as the Town of Greenwich’s Senior Center) and Open Arts Alliance, a local non profit theater company.
A pilot partnership – The Spring Follies – is the result of a collaboration between the two organizations.
Open Arts Alliance Artistic Associate, John Curtis and Lori Contadino, Executive Director at the Wallace Center, explained the genesis of the collaboration.
Mr. Curtis said the “Spring Follies” is a chance to continue OAA’s senior outreach that they did when they were housed in River House in Cos Cob.
“This will be very in keeping with the programs we have for younger students as well, which isn’t necessarily for training professionals, but for the holistic and healing nature of the arts,” he said. “In the environment we have, no one is forced to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with, but I’ll try to encourage everyone to try to sing in the opening and closing numbers.”
Mr. Curtis said “Spring Follies” is all about sharing talents, whatever they may be.
Executive Director, Wallace Center’s Lori Contadino, MS, CDP who heads up the Greenwich Commission on Aging and is the Town’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly, pictured with Open Arts Alliance Artistic Associate John Curtis. Feb 13, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
“Be it singing, playing the piano, sewing or crocheting,” he said, adding that he enjoyed crochet himself, creating puppets and dolls.
“I crochet too,” Contadino exclaimed.
“For us it opens up a new dimension of opportunity for older adults to showcase some of their talents,” Contadino said. “For some to perhaps get in touch with some of their creative abilities they may not even know existed, and maybe connect with their confidence to go out before an audience and feel good about accolades and a job well done.”
Over the course of a four week class, 20 participants will work with facilitators Mr. Curtis and Donna Spellman to develop their unique skills in a warm, nurturing and completely voluntary environment.
The classes will culminate in a performance, with each participant demonstrating their talents. No experience is necessary, only a passion and willingness to share what makes them happy and to try something new.
The May 2 performance will take place upstairs at 299 Greenwich Ave in the lovely wood paneled meeting room before friends and family on May 2, 2025.
“Everyone has a talent,” Curtis added. “And this is a chance for all participants to share, and even remind themselves what their unique talent is, be it singing, playing a musical instrument, painting, sewing, or even telling a story. This program is a wonderful opportunity for participants to share their talents with others in a supportive and nurturing environment.”
Cindy Busani, Director of Programs for Open Arts Alliance, said, “OAA has been a staple of senior outreach in Greenwich and its surrounding communities for over 10 years. Our primary focus through community engagement has been working with populations of senior citizens who have Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, so we’re excited to partner with The Wallace Center to expand current programming, as well as pilot new offerings such as this, to the wider Greenwich community of 55 and older.”
An introductory information session will be held on February 27 at 1:00pm at the Wallace Center.
Classes will be held on Thursdays from 12:00-1:00pm beginning for four weeks – April 3, 10, 17 and 24 – culminating in a final presentation for friends and family members on Friday, May 2 at 6:o0pm.
Greenwich residents 55 and older are welcomed to participate.
Call Dru at 203-862-6707 for more info and to register.