Music, Dance, Writing and Visual Art Opportunities Expand for Jackson Hole Adults 55+

JACKSON, WY August 27, 2026 — A new slate of creative learning opportunities for adults 55 and older is taking shape across the valley, with chances to pick up an instrument, step into a dance studio, put words on a page and create visual art through local arts organizations and teaching artists. Some programs are accepting registrations now; others open September 1 and throughout the fall.

Dancers' Workshop, Jackson Hole Writers, Teton Music School and independent visual artist Miga Rossetti are able to offer these programs thanks to FY27 Creative Aging Project Grants from the Wyoming Arts Council, which named the four among 37 recipients statewide. Creative Aging Project Grants are supported by the Wyoming Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming State Legislature. The grants fund professional teaching artists to lead sustained, sequential courses for older adults, culminating in participants sharing their work with the community.

The hands-on programs put older adults in the role of artists themselves, learning skills, making work and sharing what they create. Active art-making offers documented cognitive, emotional and mental-health benefits as we age, but also something less easily measured: creative identity and connection built through making. Ensemble musicians listen and respond to one another; dancers move in relationship; writers turn private experience into something another person can receive. Our local Creative Aging grant recipients believe creative development is meaningful at every stage of life and are offering these programs as part of a shared commitment to lifelong learning in the arts.

It's never too late to try something new, or return to something you once loved. One recent Teton Music School participant finally learned to play an instrument at 66, after missing out on lessons as a child. Walking out of her last Uke55 class, she exclaimed: "My lifelong dream came true!"

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

Music | Teton Music School Teton Music School will offer three courses this fall and another running winter through spring, all hosted at TMS studios. Participants will learn fundamental rock and blues grooves with professional drummer Ed Domer in Drum Kit 55 (Mondays, Sept. 28–Nov. 16); read music and play ensemble pieces with retired band director Cheryl DeLong in Concert Band 55, offered in partnership with Jackson Hole Community Band (Wednesdays, Sept. 30–Dec. 16); and play their first ukulele chords with multigenerational music educator Susan Jones in Uke55 (Thursdays, Oct. 1–Nov. 19). Registration for fall courses opens September 1, with a suggested tuition of $180 per course. The courses are offered pay-what-you-can, and TMS helps facilitate instruments.* 

tetonmusicschool.org/workshops | 307-201-1908 * Additional funding for TMS adult programs comes from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.

Dance | Dancers’ Workshop Executive Director Amelia Terrapin will lead an eight-week Tap series on Mondays, January 11–March 1, teaching footwork, rhythm and combinations adapted for all physical abilities. Adult Program Coordinator and professional dancer Sarah Hemphill will then lead Movement for Mobility on Mondays, March 8–May 10. Both series take place at Dancers' Workshop Studios, and tap shoes are available for participants if needed. Registration is open now at a rate of $10 per class, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. dwjh.org | 307-733-6398

Writing | Jackson Hole Writers Jackson Hole Writers is developing two eight-week programs in poetry and prose for winter and spring with published local authors Susan Marsh and Nanci Turner Steveson. Participants will learn and practice writing skills as they create original works to share. Both series will be offered at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole with no additional charge beyond the Senior Center’s suggested donation. Dates and registration details will be announced later this fall. jhwriters.org | 307-200-5858

Visual Art | Miga Rossetti Painter and collage artist Miga Rossetti will lead two fun, experimental Creative Aging classes this fall and winter. No prior art background is needed; the classes are designed for participants of all experience levels and to show that everyone is creative. Exact dates and registration details will be published in upcoming newsletters from the Senior Center of Jackson Hole and the Teton County Library, as well as on the library's website. To join Rossetti's mailing list for these classes, email m@migarossetti.com.

ABOUT WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL

The Wyoming Arts Council envisions a Wyoming where the arts are a driving force in the social, economic, educational and everyday life of its citizens. Its Creative Aging Project Grant is designed to encourage artists and organizations across Wyoming to develop sustained, sequential arts-learning opportunities for older adults, led by professional teaching artists and culminating in participants sharing their work with the community. Learn more at wyoarts.state.wy.us.