about me
The Artist
Karren Castaneda is a self-taught emerging artist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She works with acrylic, oil and mixed media in collaboration with Las Vegas communities to explore themes of empowerment, rebirth and relational impact. Castaneda has lead youth groups to create three projects with Clark County Public Art, and presently holds teaching artist residencies in three senior communities. Her largest public art piece is a sidewalk-mural created for the Historic Commercial Center Arts Festival in 2023. She is expanding her practice to include muralism and intends to create artwork for large-scale exhibitions and public settings. Currently she is developing a new series that investigates the process of restoration after experiencing grief, loss and brokenness, inspired by her work in creative aging.
What Is Creative Aging?
I love to help older adults learn new skills & express themselves creatively
Creative Aging is a practice that focuses on teaching older adults artistic skills in order to engage cognitive health, enhance quality of life, maintain well-being and improve overall health.
Creative Aging programs are instructed professionally by teaching artists experienced in working with older adults living with neurodegenerative diseases and disorders.
These programs are different from paint n sip classes, as they are sequential and designed to develop specific creative skills. Skill-building is crucial for the cognitive health of older adults and addresses one of the 6 pillars of brain health, established by the Global Council of Brain Health.
The approach is structured and leads into culminating events where participants can publicly share their work to celebrate their efforts and achievements.
