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Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Lucie Lukens
Lucie began studying the art of knitting over thirty years ago and has developed her skills and shared her talent with others ever since. Having a natural ability and enthusiasm for her art, Lucie also found that knitting was a cure for stress and has been known to advise and help other knitters while standing in line at a craft store.  Lucie is always involved in a new knitting project, whether it is a unique colorful scarf or sweater, and has sold her “creations” in exclusive boutiques and shops throughout Southern California. She has taught the art of knitting in numerous senior centers from Minnesota to California. 

Lucie is very pleased to be teaching free knitting classes for a second year at her own senior center in Vista, a center which operates on a limited budget and serves a large population of low-income seniors. She teaches two three-hour knitting classes a week that cater to seniors at all skill levels. Since her efforts and success have far surpassed the project’s goals, Lucie has been awarded another Senior Artist Project Grant. For the past year Lucie has taught and guided hundred’s of seniors who have knitted simple scarves, intricate sweaters, or other projects to keep or to give to family or friends. Lucie offers group lessons along with individual help. This past year, Lucie enhanced her knitting projects by encouraging her students to donate items to people in need such as “chemo caps” for children battling cancer and shawls and wraps for patients at local hospitals. Lucie’s knitting classes have helped to improve student’s hand-eye coordination, to reduce stress levels and most importantly, to create an environment that decreases social isolation. Lucie states, “Knitting helps to keep you feeling connected even when you are alone. And the finished project provides its own sense of gratification”. The Vista Senior Center is extremely happy to see the knitting classes continue and to offer a space for students who greatly benefit from Lucie’s skills, patience, and welcoming smile.