Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
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Participants of all ages created artwork and built new friendships during the recent Intergenerational Art Social held at Pacific View Arts Center in Encinitas.
(Photos by June Smith and Wendy Christensen)
Seniors, youth, and families gathered at the Pacific View Arts Center on May 23 for a free Intergenerational Art Social designed to bring people together through creativity, conversation, and connection.
The event was organized through a collaboration between the Encinitas Youth Commission, the Encinitas Senior Commission, the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, and the youth-led nonprofit Striving to Serve Others. Youth Commissioner Elizabeth Christensen led the project in partnership with fellow commissioners, city staff, and volunteers, according to a news release.
Participants spent the afternoon creating art, sharing stories, and getting to know one another in a welcoming environment where no art experience was required. Seniors and youth were intentionally seated together to encourage conversation and relationship-building across generations.
Many participants said the opportunity to connect with others was the most meaningful part of the event.
“Wonderful event to bring people together,” said participant Jane in the news release.
Another participant, Steve, reflected on how quickly connections formed throughout the afternoon.
“No one knew each other when they showed up, and now I have a room of new friends,” he said in the news release.
The event welcomed participants from many different backgrounds, life experiences, and age groups. Organizers said one of the strengths of the program is its ability to bring together people who might not otherwise meet, creating opportunities for friendships and conversations that cross generational, social, and community boundaries. By the end of the afternoon, many participants who arrived as strangers were exchanging stories, sharing laughter, and leaving with new connections.
Organizers noted that one of the goals of the program was to create opportunities for residents of different ages to spend time together in a meaningful way. Throughout the event, participants shared stories, laughter, life experiences, and advice while working side-by-side on creative projects.
Parents and volunteers observed seniors naturally stepping into mentoring roles, offering encouragement and perspective to younger participants. Conversations ranged from school and future career plans to family, service, and life experiences. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the chance to slow down, listen, and learn from one another.
Youth Commissioner Elizabeth Christensen said the event demonstrated how much people of different generations have to offer each other.
“When we create opportunities for people to sit together, share stories, and simply spend time with one another, meaningful connections happen naturally,” Christensen said in the news release. “These events bring together people from all walks of life who may never have met otherwise. Everyone has experiences worth sharing, and every generation has something valuable to contribute.”
The event also provided an opportunity for youth to take active leadership roles in their community. Christensen led the project with support from fellow Youth Commissioners Hubbell, Kinselberg, and Kumagai. Youth volunteers welcomed participants, assisted with supplies, facilitated conversation, and helped create an inclusive environment throughout the afternoon, the news release stated.
Organizers said the strong community response reflects a growing interest in programs that bring people together across generations. The event followed an earlier Intergenerational Art Social held this year and continued the Youth Commission’s efforts to expand opportunities for youth leadership, civic engagement, and community connection.
Striving to Serve Others, the youth-led nonprofit founded by siblings Michael and Elizabeth Christensen, provided volunteer support and art materials for the event. Over the past year, the organization has engaged more than 2,000 community members through service projects and intergenerational programs across North County, according to the news release.
Community members interested in future programs are encouraged to visit the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts website for updates on upcoming events and registration opportunities. Visit www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-arts