Twice a week in Lucy Corr’s Health Care Center, residents living with dementia sit alongside volunteers of all ages — high schoolers, county employees, Independent Living residents, even a local police officer — and make art together.
The program is Opening Minds through Art (OMA), part of a national, evidence-based initiative that helps people focus on imagination and present strengths rather than memory and limitation. This summer, one-hour OMA sessions at Lucy Corr run Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 30.
“Having the different age groups come work with them, they learn that you can talk to seniors,” said Bonnie Cheely, an Assisted Living concierge at Lucy Corr who has facilitated the OMA program for about two years. “Even people with dementia, you can talk to them, you can make a difference in their lives.”
On Tuesday, June 9, participants tried their hand at foil ball stamping with dye. This technique entails painting watercolor backgrounds, stamping crumpled foil dipped in acrylic paint, then dripping ink on the paper and tilting the paper to let bright colors flow across the surface. Each resident titled their finished piece and shared it with the group.
Cheely has watched the program’s impact firsthand. “About 99 percent of the residents feel better when they leave than when they first come in,” she said.
The program culminates each season in art shows where residents are recognized as the artists they’ve become. “What I love is when we have our art shows,” Cheely said. “We introduce the residents to everybody. They’re dressed really nice. Seeing them light up is the best part.”
OMA art shows are planned for July 28 and July 30. Details on times will be announced as they become available.
