The Sanford Center for Aging and University Galleries, the museum of art at the University of Nevada, Reno, are launching a program to meet the needs of the region's elders who are excited about experiencing the arts but face challenges making it to art exhibitions, lectures and receptions. The Art Partners program pairs mobile and willing adults of any age with aging citizens in the Reno area to help make it possible to travel to campus, enjoy arts experiences and grow new intergenerational friendships.

"Nevada has a large number of community elders living here and many would like to enjoy fuller access to the arts," Paul Baker Prindle, director of the University Galleries, said. "This program invites volunteers to register as program participants and visit art events with an aging neighbor or friend of their choosing or be paired with a local senior through one of the Sanford Center for Aging's service programs."

Art Partners will receive regular updates on upcoming events, enjoy special behind-the-scenes access to artists and exhibitions, enjoy improved parking opportunities, and be eligible for free entry to more than 150 North American museums.

"We are very excited about this program and the opportunities it affords elders in our community," Jennifer Baker, program director for Volunteer Programs at the Sanford Center for Aging, said. "We hope to grow this fun and innovative program over time to better serve northern Nevada populations."

A free, kick-off introduction event for the new Art Partners program is scheduled at 3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19 in Sheppard Contemporary Gallery in the Church Fine Arts Building on campus. Attendees will learn more about volunteering while also enjoying a behind-the-scenes look in Sheppard Contemporary Gallery at Janine Antoni and Stephen Petronio's collaborative exhibition Honey Baby-the campus museum's most high-profile exhibition to date. Light refreshments will be served.