Jennie Harriman is a patient teaching artist with more than 30 years of experience helping people discover the joy of creating. Her step-by-step, playful approach builds confidence, encourages self-expression, and fosters social connection in a low-pressure environment. As someone with muscular dystrophy, Jennie has adapted her own creative practice and enjoys sharing accessible approaches with people who have arthritis, limited hand strength, or other physical challenges. She has taught creative aging, intergenerational, and memory care programs, where she has seen how learning each participant’s interests can spark engagement, conversation, and joyful moments of recollection. Jennie holds two master’s degrees.
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
Participants preserve their memories and life experiences by creating a personal story they can share with family and future generations. Through guided writing, photographs, and optional audio or video recording, they develop a meaningful keepsake while strengthening reflection, communication, lifelong learning, and social connection. The series is adaptable for a range of writing abilities and encourages participants to celebrate the stories that make each life unique.
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
This series helps participants discover that drawing is a skill anyone can learn. Using simple, step-by-step instruction, they build confidence while exploring line, shape, shading, and perspective. The emphasis is on observation, creativity, and enjoyment rather than perfection, creating a supportive environment where participants gain new skills, connect with others, and continue learning.
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
Participants explore drawing and painting on an iPad using the Procreate app in a relaxed, supportive setting. Digital art eliminates the need for supplies and cleanup while offering endless opportunities for creative exploration. Clear instruction and a patient pace help participants build confidence with both technology and art skills, supporting lifelong learning, creativity, and social connection, regardless of previous experience. As someone with muscular dystrophy, Jennie discovered that drawing on an iPad is gentle on her hands, allowing her to create for hours without pain. She enjoys sharing this accessible approach with others who may have arthritis, limited hand strength, or simply want a new way to create.
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
Participants learn to create meaningful, high-quality photographs using the camera they already carry every day. Through step-by-step instruction, they explore light, composition, editing, and creative ways to photograph people, nature, and everyday life. The series builds confidence, encourages social connection, and inspires participants to see familiar surroundings with fresh eyes. As a former professional photographer, Jennie now creates with a cell phone after muscular dystrophy made traditional cameras too heavy. She enjoys sharing practical techniques that make photography accessible, creative, and fun.
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
Creative Calm combines artmaking with simple practices that help participants reduce stress, improve focus, and enjoy the creative process. Through playful exploration of art materials and guided activities, participants build confidence, engage their senses, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. The emphasis is on process rather than artistic skill, supporting well-being, lifelong learning, and making the class accessible to beginners.
