My project is flourishing with the help of new volunteers and students. Since I have gotten the grant the students have been very happy with their new supplies. They have grown confidence in doing art, and even sold some of their pieces.
Art Class for the elderly
Submitted by tsveleva on Sat, 03/29/2008 - 21:55
the problem:
During the last two years, I have volunteered for, and continue to work with seniors at Senior Housing Options, a low income senior housing program with several locations around Denver and statewide. I regularly visited the residents, keeping them company and doing errands with them, etc. I thought I could help them in other ways, too: Because on e of my main passions in life is art,I started giving art lessons to the seniors residing there once a week. This was an amazing way to include two of my most enjoyed activities to the schedule - creating art and teaching others the same.
vital stats:
people impacted:
25people involved:
15why it's important:
It is my goal to make the participants feel more self-confident, and give them the desire to do more with art. I believe that everyone could learn from the elders' wisdom of living through many decades, and hope to get more volunteering to join me with this project. By expanding this program to other Senior Housing Option properties I hope to impact many other seniors. Currently this project has little funding, so the art activities are kept with basic materials.
the plan of action:
I developed an art curriculum, organized a schedule, and enlisted some other students from my school to join me so we could reach other senior residents through art activities, and hopefully bring a little joy and companionship into their lives.
This class is hosted for the residents of Park Hill Housing. During lessons the seniors are led in drawing either a still life or a subject to evolve their creativity. Through this experience the elderly are able to express their thoughts either about their memories or their present life on paper. The object of this class is to be able to transfer the image that the participant is thinking of clearly on paper, and thus expand their talents and enrich their skills. Currently there are five constant participants, and a few drop-ins each lesson-which are led every Thursday. Many of the participants are disabled in some way, and it is a struggle to lead them past their fears of making mistakes.
I consider this an important and valuable activity, and I want to continue to provide this service to these older and sometimes lonely and isolated residents to enhance the quality of their lives. I also recognize that I am learning through my association with these people and am grateful for the experiences of knowing them, and learning from them as well.
how you can get involved:
Currently this project has little funding, so the art activities are kept with basic materials. If you are interested in helping me fund raise, or would like information about how to start this project in YOUR area, please write me a comment!
project updates:
10/16/2008
10/16/2008
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Comments
Hi just signed up for site as wanted to say I feel exactly the same as you. I live in Cumbria, England and work as a voluntary art tutor for the elderly. They tend to be forgotten and have so much to give and still enjoy learning especially art.
Am pleased you got some extra funding - it is difficult here as well - most funding seems to go to the youngsters. Well done on your project. Am a volunteer also at Tullie House in Carlisle where there is an outreach programme where we visit day centres and old folks homes and work with the elderly. Am an artist myself and get such reward from helping others and sharing my skills. We are certaily not in it for the money!
Best wishes and keep with the good work,
Jacqui
email: crackerjac5@raja.adsl24.co.uk
Hi, I would like to talk to you about this project. I am an artist living in Park Hill and am interested in helping you teach.
Wonderful what you are doing.
Elizabeth
email: stjohn.elizabeth@gmail.com
I recently signed up as a volunteer at a retirement home and would like to start doing and art/craft projects with the residents. Can you give me some guide lines or project ideas to get this started? Thank you!
Thoma
email: tbumgardner@sarpy46.org
A brilliant thing which is happening. would love to be kept up to date with whats going on.
a.mckay@edu.salford.ac.uk