AARP has awarded Talent Maker City nearly $5,000 from its Community Challenge grant program to fund intergenerational, pollinator-themed workshops.
Grants totaling $1.6 million were awarded to 159 “quick action” projects across the country.
“We are thrilled to be a partner with them and to extend our mission of access to hands-on creation and community building,” said Ryan Wilcoxson, Talent Maker City executive director. The nonprofit operates a maker space in downtown Talent that offers workshops, as well as equipment and space for creation and fabrication.
Program goals will target inclusion of older adults and support for the proliferation of and interest in pollinator gardens across the city. Talent is a recognized Bee City USA. It was also designated in April as a member of the AARP Age Friendly Community program that helps cities achieve livability for older residents.
Workshops will be held with pollinator themes in such media as ceramics, wood and screen prints. Reclaimed wood might be used to build pollinator houses. Pollinator-themed stepping stones or water dishes for the creatures could be made of ceramics. Screen prints could be applied to clothing, signage or artworks.
“We’ll welcome young and old to take (the workshops). There’s a lot of benefit community-wise, and a lot of involvement for the kids,” said Wilcoxson. Workshops will be offered during fall and winter.
Grant funding will cover curriculum development, payment for equipment that will be used for the workshops and in other Maker City activities, part of instructor salaries and to help reduce participants costs, said Wilcoxson.