Through an innovative partnership between MICA’s Community Art and Service (CAS) program and Bolton North Senior Living (BNSL), a scrapbooking project has become more than a creative pastime for senior residents—it’s a powerful medium for cultivating community-based student learning and fostering meaningful intergenerational connections. 

The project, led by Nia Parks, an MFA student, France-Merrick Fellow, and BNSL site leader, is a hallmark of MICA’s France-Merrick Fellowship, which trains emerging leaders in community arts and reflects CAS’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with community engagement through a person-centered approach.

For Nia, the partnership has been a transformative experience, equipping her with essential skills like empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. She shares, “It has grown my level of empathy and helped me understand privilege and identity in a deeper way.” Sara Kaltwasser, Associate Director of CAS, echoes this sentiment, noting, “MICA works to create these partnerships and opportunities for students who are highly invested and interested in using art to work within the community. It’s about people, not just outcomes.”

 

 

The scrapbooking project originated from a brainstorming session with BNSL Resident Services Coordinator Gina Stritch, who shared resident feedback with Nia to tailor projects to the seniors’ interests. This collaborative approach ensures the activities resonate with the residents, allowing them to explore their legacies and challenge stereotypes about aging. “Scrapbooking enables seniors to collect, commemorate, and share their collective wisdom,” Nia explains. “It’s a tangible way for them to pass on their stories and experiences to loved ones.”

Gina praises both Nia’s project management skills and the collaborative nature of the program. “Nia connects with the residents on a personal level,” she says. “She’s receptive to feedback and flexible in adapting projects to the seniors’ preferences. Her professionalism and dedication are commendable.”

Sara believes the program’s impact extends beyond art—it fosters transformative learning and engagement. “Art has become more than an activity—it’s a bridge uniting generations, preserving memories, and celebrating shared humanity,” Sara emphasizes.

Gina adds, “Seeing our residents tackle challenges and achieve success inspires me to stay curious and open-minded.” For Nia, the experience has brought clarity and wisdom. “Working at BNSL has helped me define community arts and its benefits for diverse groups of people. I’ve learned how to connect practice with pedagogy and use art as a tool for engagement,” she concludes.