Vol XVIII, Sep `05 | Touch the Lives and Hearts of Residents through the Foundation Art Auction |
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 Vol XVIII, Sep `05 According to Jesse Crew, Therapeutic Recreation Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, PA, "Residents love the opportunity to share their work with others. They take great pride in their arts and crafts projects and are eager to share them." Most residents who participate in arts and crafts activities at their facilities would relish the chance to have their work included in a silent auction. "They feel like they're making a contribution to society," Crew said. She explained that at her facility, "residents love seeing their works go on the walls. They bring families and friends to see them. They take a real sense of pride in their creations." Art is not only a source of pride. It also "seems to be a mood lifter that takes residents' minds off of their worries," noted Crew. She offered the case of a newly admitted 90-year-old resident who refused to leave her room for meals. "After participating in some classes, she began to make friends and enjoy herself. Before long, we convinced her to go to the dining hall for her meals," Crew said, adding, "She began to feel at home in the facility." Even demented residents can gain joy and satisfaction from painting. "We have several demented residents who really enjoy painting with watercolors. They love the colors, and the shapes and images we give them to paint sometimes trigger memories," Crew stated. However, she added, that it is important to watch them carefully because they often mistake the Styrofoam cups with paint water for juice. By bidding on art at the Foundation auction, you not only will contribute to the Foundation and its numerous research activities; you also will take home a life filled with color, memories, and creativity; and you will bring pride to an elderly artist. Watch this newsletter and the AMDA Foundation website for details of the auction as they are finalized. |
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