Wonder and Wisdom

An Intergenerational art showcase featuring work curated by Pre-K children of the Early Learning Center and Neighbors from Hubbard Hill’s Assisted Living Community.

The Early Learning Center at Hubbard Hill prides itself on being a faith community where generations thrive together. One of the many intergenerational encounters where this is on full display is during Art Club, the creative gathering of pre-K children from the ELC and neighbors from Hubbard Hill’s Assisted Living community. This magical mingling of youth and seasoned wisdom creates space for the children and neighbors to make and explore alongside one another, collaboratively celebrating the divine creative spirit of God within each of us.

You know it’s an Art Club day when neighbors are tapping their fingers in anticipation and asking, “When will they be here? as they wait for the unmistakable sounds of joyful children approaching. all the while, the children are making their way over, discussing the neighbors they are excited to see and who they hope to sit by. When the groups merge, grins cover every face, hugs are shared, and smocks are donned as the artists settle in for the magic about to take place.

At the ELC, we utilize essential art materials and techniques as we embrace the playful discovery and learning that blossoms in the process of creating, rather than encouraging specific end product. This sacred instinct easily flows into encounters with the neighbors, too. The uninhibited freedom of the children invites the neighbors to play, explore, and delight alongside, honoring our playful God together as children follow inspiration wherever it leads, effortlessly modeling how to revel in the exploration. Children often guide the way in using materials in ways neighbors had not yet considered, creating a surprising color palette, or using an abidance of glue, presenting opportunities for neighbors to stay imaginative as well.

Simultaneously, neighbors share their wisdom of efficient techniques, thoughtful color application, or advice on how a bit less glue can help work stick but not drip! While celebrating the sacred energy of the children , neighbors are a grounding presence that can guide them back to a bit more intentionality or focus, supporting their passion while helping them streamline some of their enthusiasm . The gentle presence of a neighbor supports a child on their journey as they work to transfer their emotions, inner world, and sacred ideas to the canvas or clay before them.

As neighbors and children enter into this art practice, we often observe the beauty of nature, creation, and one another, wondering together how we might portray our own celebration of God’s grand artwork. We marvel at the senses we were mad with that allow us to feel, hear, and see crinkly tissue paper, a child’s laugh, vibrant paint colros, birds chirping, smooth oil pastel covering paper and fingers, wrinkles around smiling eyes. Connecting in the experience reminds us that God created each of us in His divine, creative image, equipping us all with the power of creativity, play, and artistic worship.

What makes this mutual inspiration magical is that it is so deeply rooted in the love and joy of simply being together. Lasting relationships are formed and deepened during each intergenerational experience, as they marvel and delight in one another’s company. The things always held in common are love, joy and the abilities to create, wonder, and worship. Each Art Club experience serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to play or utilize our ability to express the beauty of God’s love and joy through art making. These works of art are a celebration of friends and mentors across generations and the creative God who crafted us all.