Senior Arts and Culture in Long Beach

Humans don't stop being creative and curious when they reach a certain age. The lifelong thirst for art, creation, and connection is part of what makes up human. The truth is that seniors can struggle to stay connected to art and culture. However, research shows that seniors have a lot to gain from embracing the arts. A 2022 study on the keys for quality of life and combating ageism found that creative actions lead to increasing cognitive capacities and self-confidence. They also help to create positive views of old age and contribute to fostering intergenerational relationships. Additional studies on the creative well-being of older adults finds that art-making activities can be valuable for helping older adults to overcome the uncertainty of life after retirement. Art helps seniors with self-esteem and confidence during times when so much is changing in their lives!

Of course, we can't forget the overall benefits of staying engaged in the community when you're a senior. Social engagement is essential for fighting depression and cognitive decline. The things we're passionate about can simply make life feel more colorful. The bottom line is that you're on the right path if you're seeking more creativity and community engagement in your golden years.

Living in Southern California means being in one of the world's most important cultural hubs! This is the place where so many movements in fashion, art, cinema, literature, and politics that have swept the world were born. If you live in Long Beach, you're in the epicenter of a rich art and cultural scene. However, knowing how to jump into that scene can be tough for seniors. What's more, you may be looking specifically for events and activities that cater to the tastes of seniors. That's why this guide to senior art and cultural happenings throughout Long Beach is so helpful! Find something that speaks to your passion for artistic expression with this list of senior art programs, cultural events, local galleries, and creative workshops that foster community engagement and artistic expression.

Senior activities at the Art Expo Center at 4321 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The calendar here is always bursting with fun, hands-on workshops that leave seniors with new masterpieces to take home. In addition, seniors can learn new skills. Here's a look at some of the activities you can enjoy:

• Art workshops and step-by-step painting classes
• Freestyle art and coloring
• Cooking classes
• Fitness and meditation
• Dance classes
• Crochet clubs
• Walking clubs
• Social games and cards

This is a great option if you're looking for a way to embrace art and culture while being social! You're likely to see familiar faces each time you attend. Senior events at the Arts Expo Center also offer a consistent way to stay engaged with the community without the need to constantly look for new events to sign up for around the city.

The Arts Council promotes and supports a wide range of art-centered events taking place all throughout Long Beach. Every genre is represented! For seniors, that means you can pick and choose when it comes to attending live music events, theater shows, dance performances, and receptions for local art exhibit openings. You can start planning your dive into the Long Beach art scene by taking a look at the official calendar or events here.

Did you know that the Long Beach Museum of Art is right under your nose if you're living in a home or assisted living community here in Long Beach? The museum offers a number of revolving exhibits highlighting important artists and movements in all genres of art and media. A highlight of any LMBA visit is the sculpture garden featuring 12 works spanning 75 years of the collection. Seniors enjoy discounted LMBA tickets for just $10!

The acclaimed Long Beach Downtown Art Walk takes place every second Saturday of the month right in downtown! Organized by the Arts Council for Long Beach, this interactive art event allows visitors to enjoy paintings, sculptures, live music, performances, and more when local artists and artisans display their talents. The fun part about this event is that you can enjoy everything at your own pace. Downtown's galleries, shops, and restaurants also participate in the fanfare.

Have you always wanted to master the art of crafting the perfect dish or dessert? Whip up some creative expressions with a cooking class at Long Beach's acclaimed Chef Tech. Chef Tech offers something for aspiring chefs at every level. You can choose from intensive cooking workshops, classes on the fundamentals of cooking, and courses on cake baking and decorating. This is a great way to indulge your love of the kitchen without messing up your own kitchen. The pros at Chef Tech take care of everything by providing the equipment, ingredients, and aprons. You should also come with your appetite ready to go because you'll be invited to chow down on all of your creations!

Did you know that the Long Beach Public Library system runs a number of book clubs catering to different tastes. There's certainly a book club that offers great reads and terrific conversation at the library branch located closest to you. Long Beach Public Library book clubs meet once a month. You can see a full list of all official book clubs taking place at public libraries throughout the city here.