Art to Heart, an eight-week intergenerational art program which bring seniors and children together to learn from and inspire each other side-by-side, begins October 15. Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo is now taking applications for their unique program, which was a huge success last spring when it was held for the first time.

“This program, Art to Heart, offers a wonderful opportunity for seniors and children to work on a weekly series of art projects. The materials and instruction are very professional. I saw nothing but smiles until the very end,” said Carol Kivo who signed up for the class for the second time.

Open to seniors age 65 or older and children ages 5 to 12, the program’s projects include sculpting, painting, drawing, and mixed media. The sessions are held on Wednesdays at 3:30- 5:00 p.m. from October 15 to December 10. No class will be held the day before Thanksgiving. Program cost is $80 per student, and space is limited to 20 students. For an application please call the Art Center at 805-383-1368, visit the gallery at 2222 Ventura Boulevard in Camarillo or apply on line at www.studiochannelislands.org/education/art-to-heart/.

The Art to Heart Intergenerational Art Program is supported by the Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund and Ventura County Community Foundation. The art instructor is Karin Geiger, Studio Channel Islands Art Center’s executive director, an artist and accredited elementary school and art teacher. The program is in collaboration with Bernadette Limón, an Elder Care Manager and owner of Senior Partners, who has 25 years of experience working with seniors and holds a master’s degree with emphasis in Family Relations.

Intergenerational programs can help children develop more positive attitudes toward older people, and seniors who interact with children can experience physical and mental health benefits.

The Studio Channel Islands Art Center offices and Blackboard Gallery are at 2222 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. They are open Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As many as 40 resident artist studios at the Center’s campus across from the gallery are open to the public every First Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.studiochannelislands.org or call 805-383-1368.