I love connecting with older adults through art.

I believe the most important thing to keep in mind while guiding any artist is to meet them where they are, looking for that sweet where the work is challenging enough to keep them interested while also being achievable enough to create a sense of accomplishment. What that looks like can vary day-to-day and even hour-to-hour, so it’s important to be present, listen, and respond with compassion and an open mind.

Regardless of the age or abilities of the artist, reflect on how you can truly help them. Oftentimes the best thing you can do is step aside. Change dirty water cups, supply fresh material. Make kind and open-ended comments that don’t pigeon-hole the subject matter or possible intention of the artist. Don’t interfere with the artist’s work. No drawing or painting on top of their work for them unless they specifically ask you to! It’s a lot harder for your student build self-esteem and confidence if they are treated like a child (also don’t do that with children.) Imposing like this creates a judgement dynamic, where there is an expectation of how something is “supposed to look”. Let the work be abstract. Let it be one color. If you think its ugly, let it be ugly. It’s not about you.

great Projects

• Painting and Drawing

  • Shrinky Dinks

  • Ink on paper

• Sculpture

  • Ceramics

  • Model Magic

• Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY

PAINTING & DRAWING

MEMORY CARE