Calling All Artists: Using Art in Your Newsletter to Build Engagement With Your Community

Your newsletter is a communication tool on a variety of fronts. One way it can be especially helpful is by making connections and building bonds with your local community. If coming up with unique ways to reach out through your newsletter feels like a challenge, that’s where art, in all its forms, could be your answer! 



Whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, or coloring, artistic endeavors create meaningful opportunities for self-expression and fun. Better yet, adding art created by your members adds vibrancy and warmth to your publications, while spotlighting the talents of your community. The best part? Incorporating art into your senior center newsletter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive!

Ideas for Using Art to Connect with Your Local Community

1. Coloring Contests

A simple but highly effective idea is to include a black-and-white coloring page to each issue of your newsletter. Invite community members to submit their completed versions for a chance to be featured in the next issue and/or for display at the senior center. Your team or a volunteer committee can select winners based on creativity, color choices, or community voting. Sites like ColorBliss and GenColor.ai make it easy to create coloring pages to add to your newsletter.

2. Cover Art Competition

Your newsletter’s cover is the first thing people see, so why not let your readers help design it? You could sponsor a quarterly or yearly cover art contest and invite the public to contribute original artwork to be considered for the cover. This encourages the community to get involved and gives contributors a sense of pride and ownership.

3. Featured Artist of the Month

Another idea is to highlight a different member of the community in your newsletter each month. Feature their artwork and a short interview. Ask them about their creative journey, favorite techniques, or what inspires them. This personal spotlight not only celebrates their artistic talent but also deepens connections among community members by allowing them to learn more about each other.

4. Intergenerational Art Projects

Consider inviting schoolchildren to participate in joint art projects with seniors. These collaborative works can then be showcased in the newsletter, as well as displayed in an intergenerational art show at the senior center. Not only does this build intergenerational relationships, but it also brings fresh perspectives and energy to the community’s creative efforts. And if you notify your local print and broadcast media, chances are good that you’ll receive some positive publicity.

5. Include Writing Prompts

Don’t overlook the artistic value of the written word. You can include a writing prompt in each newsletter — it could be a piece of art or a few words you share — and invite the public to write short stories or poems inspired by it. These responses can be published alongside the original prompt, building collaborative creativity and multifaceted expression.

Need More Ideas?

By incorporating art into your newsletter, you’re not just enhancing its visual appeal — you’re creating a platform for community involvement, recognition, and joy. Art has the power to uplift and connect, making your newsletter a true reflection of the vibrant, talented community it represents. If you aren’t sure how to incorporate art into the template you’re using or think you might need a redesign in general, our team can help! Customers who print their newsletters with us get a free professional custom redesign of their newsletter template. Learn more on our Newsletter Services page.

If you’re looking for other tips on how to attract more people to your senior center, 6 Ways to Increase Engagement With Your Senior Community is a quick article that you’ll love.

We have an entire blog section dedicated to elevating your senior center’s communication. With articles written about everything from social media strategies to website design trends and newsletter ideas, there’s something for everyone!