Retirees explore creative opportunities

“We see a lot of adults who for the first time in their lives have the time to explore something that they have always wanted to do,” said Kay Logsdon, executive director of Springfield Regional Arts Council.

Nearly every art organization in Spring-

field offers volunteer opportunities for those who have time to give.

Richard Turner, Ph.D., a retired Southwest Missouri State University literature professor, volunteers as a docent for the Springfield Art Museum.

“When I retired, I decided the most important part of retirement was to work out a new but demanding schedule for myself,” said Turner, who also travels, plays in two local bands and reads to children.

“I spend more time on this than I would have had to give if I was working,” he said.

Dan Carver, museum educator, believes that docents are important to the museum.

“They have an interest in art and an interest in sharing that love with others. Our docents go through a lot of training. Our exhibits change every few months. They interpret the information they are given according to their personality, (and) that makes tours much more personal for the visitors,” he said.

Opportunities exist for those who prefer short-term commitments as well. Springfield theater groups have various positions available for retirees to usher at local productions.

Linda Snyder, volunteer coordinator for Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and its Partners In Performance group, said, “We have a number of retirees who work with us. Our volunteers come from all segments of the community.

“They do the ushering and concessions and sell merchandise at the shows. It’s a very close-knit group, so I think they get a sense of camaraderie. And they get to see the shows.”

Lorianne Dunn, education director of the Springfield Little Theatre, said that her organization relies heavily on volunteers, many of whom are retirees.

One of the main opportunities with Springfield Little Theatre is ushering, she said, which can be a one-time commitment if that’s what the volunteer wants.

“We also rely on volunteers for backstage help; building and painting scenery, sewing and altering costumes, and of course there’s always acting in our shows,” she said.

For those who want to actively pursue art, either physical or visual, classes are a way to do that.

“We offer classes beginning in the fall, including adult acting class, an adult dance class. It’s not unusual for retirees to enroll in both of those,” said Dunn.

Jennifer Falter, who runs Springfield Pottery with her husband, said their facility offers five eight-week class sessions per year.

“I have a little bit of everything in my classes, including some retirees who tell me that they have always wanted to try this and now they have time,” she said. “Pottery is a great way for people to make time for themselves, to just check out and create something, and as an art form it’s very approachable.”

Many retirees cite art as an important part of their retirement not only because it gives them a creative outlet, but because it affords them fellowship with other individuals who share the same interests.

“You aren’t challenged as much on your own as you are with others. You don’t accomplish as much, or learn as much. I have had a creative streak my entire life, but I have learned so much since I retired,” said Pat Backler, who handles publicity for Studio 55, an art guild and group of retirees interested in fine arts.

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