203-770-7736
helping people lead colorful lives
artist, designer, arts & crafts facilitator and founder of
Aging with Art & Soul
I had no idea that after being asked to volunteer at a senior residence to lead arts & crafts classes for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's, it would lead me in a new direction. I found a love of helping and befriending these lovely people and sharing my artistic gifts.
One day I came up with the idea to sketch some pictures that would resonate with my class members and voila, the first pages of my coloring books were created. When I showed them the pages I was pleasantly surprised by their reactions like smiles and comments by those who are generally quiet and expressionless. It was interesting to see which pages they colored and how relaxed and focused they became. They also enjoyed the stories I told about some of the pictures I had drawn. It was after that I was inspired to create a different kind of coloring book that included not only my hand-drawn designs but also my personal stories and poems.
One day I came up with the idea to sketch some pictures that would resonate with my class members and voila, the first pages of my coloring books were created. When I showed them the pages I was pleasantly surprised by their reactions like smiles and comments by those who are generally quiet and expressionless. It was interesting to see which pages they colored and how relaxed and focused they became. They also enjoyed the stories I told about some of the pictures I had drawn. It was after that I was inspired to create a different kind of coloring book that included not only my hand-drawn designs but also my personal stories and poems.
I have discovered just how important human-to-human connections are with seniors. Reading my stories and poems to those who are unable to read by themselves turned out to be a great way to connect with them on an emotional level. The programs I created, Coloring and more Book Club and Arts & Crafts Club nurture these important connections and community.
I have enjoyed creating these books and programs as much as I have seen others enjoy them.
A smile to remember...
There is an elderly man that is part of my weekly arts & crafts session who is in a wheelchair, has little mobility and has little facial expressions. Before I showed him the coloring book, I remembered where he was born and selected a particular animal drawing I knew would resonate with him. As I showed him a picture of the mommy and baby elephants, this man's face transformed before my eyes. His eyes grew huge with the biggest smile I had ever seen on his face. It seemed like the whole room lit up as he did.
" You are an amazing woman with a heart of goal and patience like no other! "
D. Lopes
Programming Director
The Village at Brookfield Common