Jean Austin, left, and Michael Conley, right, debate how to mix the perfect shade of sky blue. Austin has been attending ARTcare for about three years. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — “Everyone starts with adult coloring,” Michael Conley, ARTcare instructor, explained. “Then, when they feel comfortable, they move to painting an apple.”

Louise Reichert, Healthcare resident, works on her adult coloring project. She has been attending ARTCare for about three years. She “scrubs her colored pencil so heavy it creates artwork that reminds you of stained glass.” Photo provided by Michael Conley.

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 unspoken thoughts and feelings and improve their overall well-being and self-esteem.”

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.

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 currently hosts 57 residents, which 31 being Artists-In-Residence.

“Now, this life-enhancing, creative time called ARTcare just continues to grow!” Conley explained. “The ARTcare features an Artist-In-Residence opportunity as residents develop a feeling of ‘purpose’ for their talent and artwork by exhibiting their work, selling prints and note cards that feature their creations and gifting their artwork to their family and friends.”

David Ewert shows off his completed piece of a wintery cabin. Ewert is an “expert watercolorist and a stickler for detail.” Ewert has been attending ARTcare for over two years. Photo provided by Michael Conley.

“I love being here! I come down as soon as I can, as quick as I can so I can be here the full three hours,” Sharon White, resident and ARTcare artist, chimed in. She has been participating in the program for about a year and a half.

“He starts by asking you about yourself, about your art skills and what you want to create. He talks with you. He observes your reactions and actions. He will make some suggestions to guide you but he gives us artistic licensing to ignore him,” White said with a big smile.

The beauty of art is that it can meet you at your skill and ability level. The beauty of ARTcare is the joy, purpose and friendship fostered within the hearts of residents.