Visiting Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts: A Senior-Friendly Guide
Studies show that participating in the arts can help with healthy aging, as you get to express your creativity and have social interactions that uplift your spirit. However, participating in activities can be tiring, so sometimes, you'll want to be in the audience rather than on stage.
If you live in Brookfield, WI, then the perfect place to do this is at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. This is a venue where there are plenty of cultural attractions for seniors, which can vastly improve your life.
So keep reading to see what's in store at one of the top performing arts venues around.
About the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is located at 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045 in Mitchell Park. It opened its doors in 2002, making it a relatively "new" performing arts center.
These are the three main disciplines it focuses on:
- Performing arts
- Arts education
- Visual arts
In addition, the center has five core values:
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Passion
- Stewardship
- Collaboration
As you might've guessed from the above information, the center is dedicated to providing the community with breathtaking performances that you'll remember for a lifetime. The fact that over 45,000 people come annually should be a testament to their commitment to excellence. Over 10,000 of those are students, but many are seniors like you too.
As for where the performances are held, there are three areas. The first is the Harris Theater, which seats 607, and the second is the cabaret-style Dawes Studio Theater, that's more intimate and seats 136. Lastly, there's the , where you can watch amazing performances out in the open air.
The Box Office Hours
You can purchase tickets online for most events, as well as on the phone. However, these two options have service fees attached to your tickets.
To save money, you should get your tickets in person at the box office. It's open from Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. It's also open two hours before any ticketed event up to 30 minutes after curtain.
Do note that all sales are final and that there are no refunds or exchanges.
You can get 50% off on your ticket as long as you provide a senior ID. The discount is only good for one ticket and you must get it an hour before the start of the performance; the additional tickets are full-priced.
Hours of Operation
Typically, the performing arts center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. However, there are extended hours for special events, so keep an eye out for those.
Accessibility
There's on-site parking at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, and it's free too. In addition, there are many handicapped parking spots available.
The venue is also ADA-compliant, so you can count on it to have senior-friendly events, as it's one of the many accessible travel destinations in the state. The location is wheelchair accessible, and the staff members are always happy to help with any special needs.
Performances and Events
Naturally, this performing arts center has a variety of performances throughout the year, including music, dance, theater, and more.
But the highlight is the Starry Nights Concert Series. These concerts are free, and they're held on Friday evenings in the summer, out in the Gerlach/Haack Outdoor Theater. You can bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the live music!
Classes and Workshops
Want to do something more hands-on than take part in the activities offered at your senior living community? Then, you can take classes and workshops at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts.
You don't need to be experienced either. You can participate in:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Ceramics
- Interior design
- Dance
- Movement
- Creative writing
Not only can you tap into your creative side, but you can connect with other artists. Plus, you can expand your perspective, even at your older age.
Lynn Chappy ArtsPark
Performances aren't the only things you can benefit from at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. You can always go outside and enjoy the gardens and art. More specifically, the Lynn Chappy ArtsPark is here to show you how seamlessly art can be integrated with nature.
In the front yard, you'll find the Strohmaier Sculpture Garden, as well as the Burke Colonnade and the dazzling light sculpture "Flit". In the central entry and allée is the decentralized sculpture "Shifting Perspective." And in the backyard are the sculptures "Varied Recurrence" and "Water's Way."
So if you have time and aren't at the center for a performance, it's always worth a stroll around outside. Not only can you get a fresh breath of air while getting some physical activity in, but you can also stimulate your mind by gazing at the interesting pieces of art along the way. This can be good for prolonging the years before you need memory care.
Permanent Art Collection
One of the things to do in Wisconsin indoors is to go view the permanent art collection at this center. There are pieces of work made by five artists from the state, and two other pieces were donated by benefactors.
You'll see the following art pieces:
- 22 Steps
- Joy of Music
- Bridging the Arts
- Flock
- Dancing Cranes
- Streaming
- Growth in the Arts
- Midsummer Dream
- Arts Suite
- Varied Recurrence
Catch a Performance at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
If you're after a welcoming and enriching environment, then you should visit the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. You'll find a nice array of artistic programs, classes, and events, which you can enjoy with a senior discount at times.
Plus, there's a beautiful outdoor garden with outstanding works of art. That, combined with the fact that the center is ADA-compliant, means you can seek cultural enrichment without hindrance. You can participate in community engagement too, which can contribute to your overall well-being.
Get in touch with us if you need senior living in Brookfield, WI. You can get up to $3,000 off your first month's rent here at Discovery Commons Brookfield.