AARP Hearing Center
When Fia flipped through her local paper and saw a mug-making workshop, something clicked. ‘I want to do that,’ she thought—and that simple decision changed everything.
Last year, Fia attended a free AARP Vermont workshop that sparked a transformation in her life. What began as a casual interest quickly became a passion and a pathway to new friendships. Today, she’s not just creating beautiful pieces—she’s volunteering at the very space where her journey began.
“Although I had some art experience, this workshop reignited my love for clay,” Fia says. After months of pandemic isolation, it became much more than a creative outlet.
It gave me something to look forward to and a place to use my imagination.
Now, Fia helps with events and assists instructors at CraftStudies, a White River Junction nonprofit dedicated to sparking creativity and connection through craft. For her, the experience was about more than learning a skill—it was about finding community. “It was an incredible gift to have the opportunity,” she says. “I feel lucky that I saw it.”
The workshop Fia attended was offered free through AARP Vermont in partnership with CraftStudies. These programs aren’t just about making art—they’re about building confidence, meeting new people, and discovering joy in trying something new.
AARP Vermont advocates for issues that matter most to older Vermonters and their families—but we also believe in the power of community. That’s why we offer free workshops and events designed to inspire, connect, and enrich your life.
Ready to discover your own spark?
Join us for upcoming events at www.aarp.org/nearyou