Setting Up A Workspace
Like other community arts program organizers, COVID provided an opportunity to learn a new way to work, create and connect. We temporarily shut down the Creative Age Art Studio in the Dorchester Seniors Centre and now we’re all working from home.
Because of the pandemic, our community programs were paused or cancelled. Working with seniors, we realize it will still take some time to get the community vaccine program completed. Even then, many are reluctant to attend on site group sessions with confidence because of anxiety around the variants. In addition, the winter weather often keep older adults at home. It was worth it to make an investment in online or distance teaching/learning.
Part of our solution was to launch facilitator and volunteer train the trainer sessions to set up studio and video work spaces at home. Many facilitators sourced out their own resources. Others preferred to take structured online programs. So now we’re a network of creative seniors, working from home and digitally connected through our online networks.
Personaly, my most popular creative programs will now be available through the Creative Age Studio in London Ontario called Create @Home.
Space permitting, I recommend a desk/table for making videos and a separate art/work table for painting. It can be an L-shape set up or a table with a rolling cart for supplies. I converted a home business office to a media studio desk. My art work table is separate.
A laptop or iPad are the most practical computers as they can be removed from the possibility of spilled paint, water or other beverages. I can sit at my table and look out the window. I also have an easy chair for browsing through magazines and books for inspiration.
Note: for apartment dwellers with limited space – it is possible to convert the kitchen or dining table to a work surface that’s functional with extra organizing efforts to organize supplies cart, set up and clean up. Adequate lighting is important. I use a 3 light pole lamp to enhance workspace lighting.
A good quality radio or sound system is always good or (in my case) a vintage turntable with amp and speakers.
For video recording, I use IPhone and iPad with swing arms for overhead camera and lighting. In additional, I have secondary filtered lighting and lapel mic.
Below, I’ve listed supplies I ordered from local arts/crafts stores to get set up at home.
L-shaped work station 
Creative Cuisine 
L-shaped work station