04/03/2026
FROM EXHIBIT TO PRACTICE: RETHINKING AGE, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY WORK
-A UCCE team learning visit highlights age-inclusive and intergenerational approaches in Marin County
The UCCE team in Marin County recently participated in a staff engagement and learning visit to the “What About Age” exhibit at the Marin County Civic Center Art Gallery- an initiative brought forward through the Team Engagement Committee and David Lewis, Watershed Management Advisor.
The visit was designed as a professional learning opportunity, using the exhibit to explore ageism, intergenerational understanding, and implications for program design, communication, and service delivery. The experience included guided viewing across exhibit spaces and a facilitated group reflection.
The session was supported by cross-program collaboration, with Steven Worker, 4-H Youth Development Advisor, helping guide the exhibit flow and facilitate discussion, and Zaw Wai Htoo, Community Nutrition and Health Advisor with a focus on older adult health and nutrition, healthy aging, and whole health, contributing structured guiding questions and co-facilitating the reflection to connect exhibit insights to Extension program practice.
County leadership participation further underscored the relevance of the approach. Feedback from Lauren Cartwright, UCCE Area Director, highlighted the value of this model and its potential for adaptation across other counties in San Francisco North Bay.
As noted by Marin County Government, the exhibit challenges stereotypes about aging and promotes intergenerational dialogue through art, bringing youth and older adult artists together in collaborative work. The exhibit, originally developed and curated by Stacey Gordon and adapted locally through collaboration with organizations including Youth in Arts and community partners, highlights how intergenerational engagement can help challenge stereotypes and reframe perspectives on aging.
In Marin County, where nearly 30% of residents are age 60 and older, and the proportion is projected to grow to 38% of the population by 2030, these reflections are directly relevant to the design and delivery of community-based programs in partnership with county and community stakeholders.
The visit also provided an opportunity to document and share team engagement and learning, with support from Tracey Van Hooser of the Master Gardener Program in capturing moments from the experience.
Overall, the experience illustrates how integrating reflection, evidence, and community context can strengthen age-inclusive and intergenerational approaches within Extension work.
