In 1991, Dale Chihuly recognized that seniors have a great deal to offer society, but few avenues by which to contribute. There were no outlets for their artistic creativity. This sparked an idea and Seniors Making Art was born.

It's a simple program designed to engage seniors in something meaningful that they can do for the rest of their lives. Anyone can make art as long as one has imagination and life experiences to draw on. Making art is not about craftsmanship, it has to do with feelings and memories. Seniors have an abundance of both. You need time to develop your techniques and ideas. Lots of seniors have all the ingredients to make art. Our programs are designed to give participants the confidence to get started. Also to encourage them by teaching basic techniques and providing the necessary materials. We contract with professional artists who want to bring joy and meaning to seniors now and in the future. We want to show seniors by encouragement and example how to express their feelings, their memories and life experiences. They have more knowledge and wisdom than any other segment of society, by showing them the way to make art, everybody learns.
- Dale Chihuly

Seniors Making Art was founded in 1991 by internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The organization is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation.

The classes which started with 3 programs have directly served over 20,000 seniors. Programs are instructed primarily in the Puget Sound area. Youth are also served through intergenerational programs.

Our mission is accomplished by contracting with professional artists, skilled in building enthusiasm and confidence, to teach programs in museums, retirement communities, senior centers, libraries, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other locations. Program instruction and materials are free of charge to participants. The organization underwrote the teachings of 30 artists in 46 different locations in 2010. Seniors Making Art provided 63 programs, or 435 classes, of high quality art instruction in 2010.

Classes include a wide variety of curriculum including drawing, watercolor, sculpture, creative writing, Sumi-E brush painting, collage, glass mosaic and more.