🎨 Brushstrokes of Joy: AARP New Hampshire’s Virtual Paint Parties Offer Caregivers a Creative Escape

In 2021, as the world grappled with the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, AARP New Hampshire introduced a simple yet powerful idea: virtual paint parties designed to give caregivers a much-needed break. What began as a creative outlet during a difficult time has grown into a vibrant monthly tradition, drawing hundreds of participants from New Hampshire and across the country.

These two-hour online classes, led by artist Meagan Van Woert

of Paint and Sip VT, offer more than just art instruction—they provide a space for respite, connection, and self-care. Each month features a new, seasonally inspired painting, and participants follow along step-by-step, creating their own masterpieces from the comfort of their own homes.

“These paint parties mean so much to me because they give people permission just to breathe and be present,” says Meg. “We all move so fast through our days, and this is truly a chance to slow down, relax, and recharge. I love watching someone pick up a brush, maybe for the first time in years, and discover they’re more creative than they realized. It’s genuine self-care.”

Participants gather their own supplies, and each class includes a brief spotlight on AARP caregiving resources—tools and tips to support those caring for loved ones. Whether you’re helping a parent, spouse, or another family member, these classes are a chance to take a well-deserved break and let your creativity shine.

Carol Keeps Coming Back
Carol from Ohio has been a regular since the beginning. She first discovered the classes on the AARP Virtual Community Center while caring for her mother, who passed away in 2022. Now, she finds joy in painting and spending time with her granddaughters.

“I love doing things that keep me healthy and my brain busy,” Carol shares. “I’ve invited my sister and friends to join, and we even had a paint party one night after COVID. I try to do the class every month. It’s relaxing for me, and I enjoy the banter back and forth with other people online from across the country. The class gives me a time out.”

Carol’s artistic skills have grown over time. She’s learning to apply color principles and make her paintings more realistic. She often snaps a photo of her work during class so she can finish it later, and she proudly displays her creations around her home—on the buffet in her dining room, in her sunroom, and even as gifts for loved ones.

Now, she’s passing the tradition on to her granddaughters, having bought them their own painting supplies. “They’re having a great time,” she says with a smile.

Carol also loves seeing what others create. “I enjoy interacting with people from all over the country and get a lot out of looking at what other people have done.”

Jill and Curt’s Caregiving Journey: Relaxing and Reconnecting at Paint Classes

Jill and Curt are caregivers in every sense of the word. Jill’s

parents, now in their late 80s and early 90s, have always been active and independent. But five years ago, Jill—an activities director at a New Hampshire senior center—noticed signs of dementia in her mom. Today, her father is her mother’s full-time caregiver, despite facing physical challenges of his own.

“They live just 15 minutes away,” Jill said. “Curt and I help with meals, check-ins, and spending time with them. It impacts our daily lives constantly.”

Amid the demands of caregiving, Jill discovered a free virtual paint-and-sip class through an AARP email. “We both have creative sides,” she said, “but we rarely take time for ourselves.”

One evening, Curt surprised her with a table set with cheese, crackers, and paints. “It felt like a mini vacation,” Jill recalled. “We’ve done four classes now, and each one is a chance to relax and reconnect.”

Curt added, “When we sit down to paint, Meg—the instructor—is the only one in front of us. She’s amazing. No pressure, just joy.”

The classes have become more than a hobby—they’re a lifeline. “It’s a reminder that not everything has to be perfect,” Jill said. “In painting and in caregiving, that reassurance matters.”

For Jill and Curt, the sessions are also a rare chance to be a couple. “We don’t go on vacation,” Jill said. “This is our date night. It’s special to see how we interpret things differently—and we even hang our paintings on the wall for other people to see!”

Curt agrees: “It’s dedicated time for us to do something together and individually. That’s hard to come by these days.”

Jill summed it up best: “Caregivers need care too. It’s important for caregivers to take care of themselves. If you can take care of yourself, you are in a better place to continue caregiving. When it is 24/7 you can lose your ability to do that.”

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🖌️ Are You a Caregiver Who Could Use a Little “Me Time”?

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or simply looking for a creative outlet, AARP New Hampshire’s Paint Party classes are here for you.

✨ What’s in store?

• Step-by-step guidance from a live instructor
• A spotlight on helpful caregiving resources
• And of course, plenty of fun!

So, grab your favorite cozy drink (hot cocoa, anyone?), gather your art supplies, and get ready to unwind, connect, and create your own seasonal masterpiece.

Check out upcoming classes at www.aarp.org/nh or in the events section at www.facebook.com/aarpnh.

OR, you can check out some of our past classes here.