Bethany Cochrane had a private art show on Nov. 28, as part of its Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) program.
The intergenerational art-making program is designed for people who have Dementia to provide an outlet for self-expression through abstract art while helping them build relationships.
Residents of the Bethany work with trained volunteers who provide guidance and support through the art-making process but make no esthetic decision for the resident.
The program provides the artists opportunities for creative self-expression through abstract art and helping them build relationships.
The art show was the highlight of the process. Artists were able to show their accomplishments and sell their work to family and friends through a silent auction. Any money the auction raised goes back into the program to replenish supplies.
Organizer Shannon Lappin said there are plans for another program in the future.
“We had 12 residents turn artists who participated in our fall session, and it turned out much better than we could have ever imagined,” Lappin said.
“We already have a plan in place for another program to start up in the spring time.”
This was also the first time Lappin has organized a program like this one, where she was also in charge of training newcomers so they were suitable to work alongside the residents at the Bethany throughout the program.
“We had a lot of great volunteers, who really took this program to heart and made sure it was the best it could be,” Lappin said.
“Without them, this program wouldn’t be anywhere close to where it is today… to see them connect with the residents, day in and day out, it was a fantastic experience and truly made all the weeks leading up to the art show worth while.”
