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Living Life After 50
July 2024
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Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs Vol. 37, No. 5
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ARTcare
helps seniors unlock their inner artist
ACRYLIC PAINT — Sharon White, artist-in-residence, works on her acrylic paint painting of a flower. She has been participating in ARTcare for over a year and mentioned her art skills have improved “incredibly.” Photo by Marissa Sweatland.
ADULT COLORING — Louise Reichert, healthcare resident, works on her adult coloring project. She has been attending ARTCare for about three years. She “scrubs WINTERY CABIN — David Ewert shows off his complet- her colored pencil so heavy it creed piece of a wintery cabin. Ewert is an “expert watercolorist ates artwork that reminds you of and a stickler for detail.” Ewert has been attending ARTcare stained glass.” Photo provided by for over two years. Photo provided by Michael Conley. Michael Conley.
By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer “Everyone starts with adult coloring,” Michael Conley, ARTcare instructor, explained. “Then, when they feel comfortable, they move to painting an apple.” Once an artist feels comfortable with the adult coloring medium, they can graduate to different mediums, such as acrylic painting and watercolor. The curriculum is based on the four seasons, spring, summer, winter and autumn and each finished art piece is titled with a biblical scripture that encapsulates the art the resident developed and created. The class provides residents with a place to get away from their normal routines and become socially connected with
other residents. ARTcare is a form of therapy for Grace Village residents. ARTcare reaches residents in independent living, assisted living and healthcare that have an interest in art. The creative process of making art can improve a resident’s physical, mental and emotional health. Art therapy is particularly beneficial for residents with dementia and Alzheimers. “Creating art can help residents physically and mentally engage parts of the brain that keep the mind active and the memory intact,” Conley explained. “It can also inspire a creative outlet for many with dementia, who can no longer read or have trouble speaking or understanding words. During class time, residents have the opportunity to unlock any trapped emotions, show their unspo-
ken thoughts and feelings and improve their overall well-being and self-esteem.” The program runs on funds raised through the sale of prints and note cards of the art the residents create. The fundraisers happen in the spring and late autumn. The program, which was created nearly a decade ago, started with just three to five residents. “Having lived through Alzheimer stages myself in 2004 and because I had a closet full of unused art materials from 33 years of teaching high school art,” Conley said, “I was inspired to begin this creative journey with no expense to the residents.” But, as word got out, the class sizes grew and grew. Today, ARTcare curContinued on page 2
Over 70% of All Americans Over Age 65 Will Need Long-Term Care or End Up in Over 70% of All Americans Over Age 65 Will Need Long-Term Care or End Up in A Nursing Home... At A Cost of Up To $10,000 Per Month. That Means Many A Nursing Home... At A Cost of Up To $10,000 Per Month. That Means Many Families Could Lose Much of Their Life Savings or Even Their Own Homes. Families Could Lose Much of Their Life Savings or Even Their Own Homes.
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