Creativity is often said to belong only to artists. In fact, it belongs to everyone, and as the late physician/author Edward de Bono says, “There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”
Staff at Redeemer Health Care Center believe deeply in creativity. Their interest in bringing creative projects to their community brought them to the Metro Regional Arts Council to apply for funding. Funds were granted so Redeemer could bring teaching artists from Community Programs in the Arts (COMPAS) to Grandma’s House Children’s Center, which provides child care at Redeemer.
“You use a glass mirror to see your face. You use works of art to see your soul.”
George Bernard Shaw, Playwright
Teaching artists worked with residents forty five minutes a week and then worked separately with children on the following projects:
- Drumming
- Movement
- Storytelling
. - Mask Making
- Watercolors
Never Too Young or Too Old
“The artists were incredible teachers,” says Grandma’s House Director Elissa Rislov. “They brought new and exciting ideas to add on to what the children had learned from the previous week. The children were so excited to participate!”
Art classes allowed children and older adults to explore watercolors and mask making, which included using paper mache, clay, paint and other materials. All the art projects were tailored to the interests of residents and children, nurturing the creativity that COMPAS calls “an essential part of humanity.” What did Redeemer discover through art projects like these?
“You are never too young or too old to bring your special brand of creativity to the world,” says Elissa Rislov.
Thank you, donors and supporters, for helping to foster fullness of life at Redeemer Health Care Center and Grandma’s House!
