A group of men sat prattling on about the latest Patriots win as they tore pieces of green and purple paper into tiny shreds. The co-mingling notes of Spanish, English, Italian and shared laughter wafted from the smaller activity room where the sheets were assembled on an enlarged butterfly. In the end, on the wall, their collective energy and effort represented much more than a beautiful piece of art- it was a symbol of a community creation. “Some of our participants don’t remember the hours they put into making it…” says Windsor House Adult Day Health Activity Director, Barbara McGrath”…but while they were ripping paper and laughing and getting glue on their hands they were busy and happy”.
Somewhere between the childhood years of naptime between desks and the responsibility- laden years of adulthood, we tend to lose touch of the intrinsic joy and accomplishment of creative freedom. As we get older, our inner voices tend to become harshly judgmental and our lives busier with family and career to- do lists. However, art is a universal experience that transcends culture, language-and age. It is an expression of our own unique emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The medical profession has long suggested using creative expression-planting, painting, dance, etc- to cope with everyday pressures, control blood pressure and deal with stress related illnesses. Numerous research studies have documented the positive influence of art therapy with people with communicative, cognitive and/or emotional complications.
“I love doing things like this” Windsor House participant Pauline Anderson quipped, pointing to one of the three terrariums that grace the kitchen tables. “Reminds me of my dad and grandparents and the garden where I would steal the tomatoes. It’s nice to look at the flowers coming out of the cactus now. I feel proud I was a part of it.” You see, art isn’t beholden to only one specific medium. Anything that gets your brain engaged, your muscles working and your emotions flowing improves a person’s mental, emotional and physical states. The latest Windsor House project involved slices of citrus fruits-orange, lemons, and limes- being drenched in tempura paint and “block printed” on sheet of meat wrapper paper- a nod the last days of summer. The aroma sparked memory laden discussions of porch time lemonade, family fruit trees, childhood breakfasts of sugared grapefruit. Commented Windsor House nurse, Jen Tracy .” Participants were coming in my office reciting summer recipes and stories about going back to school shopping”.Next on the art agenda- apple and leaf sculptures, with the eventual pumpkin decorating around the bend.
It’s never too late to express creativity. It’s evident in the latest “adult coloring book” phase. Not “red light district” adult but pictures of intricate designs, detailed drawings of flora and fauna and everyday scenery are becoming embellished with the strokes of pens, colored pencils, watercolors and, yes, crayons, by adults prescribing to the claims that it helps redirect the daily stresses of adult responsibilities and ultimately provides a positive creative result. If you’re skeptical, just pick out one of the over 2500 coloring books listed on Amazon alone and give it a try. For those with impaired memory, it’s evident in the ARTZ program, which provides Alzheimer and dementia sufferers access to community arts via interactive art lectures and dementia specific tours of area art galleries. And it’s DEFINITELY evident in the smiles and eager participation of Windsor House Adult Day participants with decades of observations, memories and emotions to unlock. “I can’t wait to see what we make next” exclaims Windsor House participant Carol Williamson. Neither can we.
To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.-Kurt Vonnegut
For more information on Windsor House Adult Day Care call 617-642-3899 or visit http://www.windsorhouse.org For more information about the ARTZ programs , contact http://www.ImStillHere.org Adult Coloring books can purchased at most establishments that provide art supplies and/or books including http://www.amazon.com and http://www.BarnesandNobles.com
