Neville Place Assisted Living Holds Their Spring Art Show

Seniors Making Art: Neville Place Assisted Living Holds Their Spring Art Show

Cambridge, MA  (April 25, 2011)    It has been a nearly a year since Neville Place Assisted Living introduced its unique art program to the local community.  Modeled after Seniors Making Art, a Seattle-based organization that has supported art instruction classes for seniors in over 100 locations, the assisted living community has worked with local artists and students to offer a new opportunity for residents to access their creativity.  The premise is that art is not just about craftsmanship, but rather about the feelings and memories we all have within us. Seniors of course have a wealth of life experiences to draw from, and to share with others.

“Residents and their family members are constantly sharing stories from the art room with me!” stated Executive Director Jamie McWilliam.  “Working on an art project, with the support and patience of an art instructor, gives seniors a feeling of accomplishment that they may not often experience.”  Since its inception, the art program has been fortunate enough to have art therapy students from Lesley University as interns, participating and leading art classes.  “It is a win-win situation for everyone involved, as the students, many who have never worked with the senior population before, are learning just as much from the residents as the residents are from their instruction” said McWilliam.

“I have learned to work on my patience,” states Victoria DeYoung, a senior at Lesley University.  Liz Byrnes, another intern and junior at Lesley, nods in agreement, “I have learned the value of patience as well.  And I’ve experienced how art can promote the recall of memories, which makes the whole experience therapeutic and interesting for both the resident and me.” 

The residents made prayer flags recently to send to Japan.  Using art helped them to express their sympathy and concern for those affected by the earthquake.  Resident Cynthia Shoemaker said, “I wanted to do something even as small as this, from afar, and I hope it will touch someone across the globe.” 

Neville Place invites the public to come tour their art studio, and learn more about the program and ways to be a part of it!  On April 28^th, from 5-7PM, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music, and a chance to view the masterpieces created by Neville’s residents and art instructors- including Lesley University interns and the community’s Resident Care Director and art instructor Angela DeAngelis.  Neville Place is located at 650 Concord Avenue, Cambridge Massachusetts, 02138.  Kindly RSVP by April 26^th by calling 617-497-8700.  For more information about this program and other great services offered at Neville Place visit www.NevillePlace.org.

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