Thandiwe Shiphrah is a multidisciplinary teaching artist who writes for print, performance, and electronic media. She is a recipient of the TN Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship in Literature and her poems have been published online, in print journals and anthologies, and through public transit projects in two cities. For more than 25 years, Thandiwe has been supporting the artistic development of older adults by offering workshops, readings, and presentations that build skills and broaden social and professional networks. She collaborates with community centers, churches, senior living programs, and educational institutions to create dynamic learning environments that uplift and inspire.
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
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Program Description:
Imagination, Praise, and Remembrance is a series of creativity workshops that draw on memory and focus on writing with humor and from the heart. Workshops are 75 minutes in length and take place in small groups of 3 to 12 participants over 4 consecutive weeks. Word games, readings, and timed writing prompts are used to generate stories and poems that celebrate our gifts and talents and honor the people, places, and treasured events of our lives. Participants will explore a variety of forms and techniques for generating ideas and capturing observations and insights. As we delve into the craft of writing through the work of contemporary authors, we’ll look at the lives of inspiring historical figures who began or continued expressing their artistic talents as older adults. Tips and resources for carving out time and space for a creative practice will also be discussed. Sessions are suitable for seated participants and those with limited mobility and no previous writing experience required. All materials are provided.
