Creative Aging at the Frye

The Frye Art Museum offers creative, arts-based programs for all aging adults, including those living with memory loss. Our programs inspire participants to deepen their life experiences and connect meaningfully with others through art. All programs are free unless otherwise noted. 

NEW! Programs Open to All Aging Adults

Creative Aging at the Frye is growing, with the addition of new programming designed to inspire creativity and connection for all aging adults. Programs labeled Dementia-Friendly are thoughtfully designed for adults living with dementia and their care partners, emphasizing present-moment awareness and new possibilities for creative expression and engagement.

Coffee & Creativity

Open to All Aging Adults

The first Friday morning of each month at the Frye is dedicated to connection, creativity, and community for aging adults. Start your day with coffee and conversation, followed by gallery exploration, engaging discussions, and hands-on art making.

Art in the Moment

Dementia-Friendly Program

This intimate, dementia-friendly art discussion offers a supportive, smallgroup experience in the galleries. Led by a specially trained museum educator, these sessions encourage engaging conversations, foster community, and create a safe space for participants to share their insights.

Alzheimer’s Cafe

Dementia-Friendly Program

Enjoy a welcoming and uplifting social gathering with friends and family. Participants enjoy artwork discussions, live music, snacks, and community building.

Dancing Together at the Frye

Dementia-Friendly Program

Join us in the Frye Salon for a seated dance class for people with memory loss and their families. Inspired by the artwork on display, this class incorporates classical dance elements and playful movements as well as unique dance creations built in the moment.

Here Now Art-making and Discussion Class

Dementia-Friendly Program

Enjoy conversation, art appreciation, and hands-on exploration of various art mediums in this six-week class for individuals with dementia and their care partners, taught by specially trained museum educators and teaching artists.

Meet Me at The Movies

Dementia-Friendly Program

Celebrate the magic of film in this entertaining and inspiring program, open to all aging adults, including those living with memory loss. Meet Me at the Movies features themed film clips that spark imagination and memories, followed by a facilitated audience discussion.

Mindfulness Meditation

Join us for free, 30-minute drop-in sessions on the first and third Wednesday of each month. These sessions are facilitated by Harborview psychologist Kristoffer Rhoads, PhD, and Katie Freeman, MSW, offering a moment of calm and reflection. 

Special Events

Creative Aging at the Frye provides public programs and professional development opportunities focused on art, creativity, healthy aging, and dementia. These offerings include hands-on workshops, interdisciplinary lectures, and a variety of special events. 

Explore current programs on our website or stay informed by subscribing to our quarterly Creative Aging newsletter.

More Frye Programs

The Frye offers a wide range of public programs to support lifelong learning and creative engagement, including art history lectures, guided tours, artist talks, concerts, and more.

The Memory Hub

The Frye Art Museum has partnered with the University of Washington Brain Wellness Center to create The Memory Hub: a place for dementia-friendly community, collaboration, and impact. Located at 1021 Columbia Street, adjacent to the museum, The Memory Hub offers a year-round space to explore new perspectives on living well with dementia.

Advisory Committee

Karen Maeda Allman 
Assistant Agent, Wales Literary Agency; Community Relations and Events Coordinator (retired), Elliott Bay Book Company  

Marigrace Becker
Program Manager, Community Education and Impact, UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center; Director, The Memory Hub: A Place for Dementia-Friendly Community, Collaboration, and Impact 

Tamar Benzikry 
Director of Learning and Engagement, Frye Art Museum 

Amy Hamblin
Artist

Patricia Klingler
Corporate Trainer and Personal Coach (retired)

Jennifer Kulik, PhD
Founder & CEO, Silver Kite Community Arts

Katie Lamar
Director of Creative Aging, Aging Wisdom

Kavan Peterson
Co-Founder, ChangingAging.org; President, Harvest Home Care

Kristoffer Rhoads, PhD
Neuropsychologist, UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center

Karen M. Winston
Senior Planner, Aging and Disability Services, City of Seattle

Creative Aging Programs are made possible with support from the Richard & Maude Ferry Charitable Foundation and Aging Wisdom. Additional support is provided by Frye Art Museum members.