Name/Title
SFSC Aquatic Park - Bryna Rifkind - Poultry AppreciationDescription
Bryna B. Rifkind, 77, is originally from West New York, New Jersey Bryna feels fortunate to have had a rewarding career in three states as an educator at the elementary, middle school, and college levels. She received a BS in Education from Lesley University, an MS in Creative Arts Education from San Francisco State University, and a PhD in Educational Theatre from New York University. At all levels, she applied the creative arts to most subjects. Bryna retired from SFSU to become a caregiver for her father with Alzheimer’s and later her life partner. She eventually began volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association, while also facilitating support groups for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Before the pandemic, Bryna took art classes through the SF Recreation and Park Department senior program and later joined the Art with Elders group in 2023. Her interest is in watercolor pencil and paints. She values the positive environment created by instructor Andrew Mills at the Maritime Museum, describing it as a safe and supportive space with like-minded individuals and dedicated time to create art. For Bryna, art is a calming meditation. As someone with ADHD, participating in the class helped her realize she could sustain creative focus. She is also grateful to have learned so much from her colleagues and treasures the camaraderie of the group. “Life is a gift. Smile, be kind to each other and take the time to smell the roses.”
