Creativity in Community. Celebrating Seniors Month.
Celebrating Seniors Month. 2024.
Sharing through photo snapshots a recent centre-wide Creativity Afternoon I facilitated for Victoria Gardens. Such gratitude for the assistance from my supervisor Tracy, the recreation team (Barbara and Sureesh), the aromatherapist, Rose, and our volunteer, Isabel.
The ‘Livingroom’ Experience.
All afternoon residents and staff came through this very colourful, art-filled space, while other residents remained to hang out and connect in community. Right up to dinnertime residents were chatting, colouring together or viewing art pieces created by themselves or their peers. It was wonderful to witness and be part of such a celebration … and as the quote below describes… a ‘livingroom’ space was created!!!
“..The Livingroom ...On those occasions when the synchronicity and interplay of tender moments, individual expression and meaningful experiences melded together in “just the right ways’ the ‘living room’ came into being. Jenny and I had coined the term “livingroom’ in our post group reflections as a metaphor to acknowledge the enlivened atmosphere that developed within this small community setting. We were witness to a flow of energy and warmth, with richly-engaged interactions that buoyed residents’ sense of connection, comfort and support. For those brief moments in time the group members were transported from an institutional space into a transformed space - a ‘familiar, warm and cozy living room setting’.”
An Interactive Afternoon of Creativity.
As the facilitator planning the day… It was key to have the activity tables/stations and art display in designated spaces that were both accessible and available all afternoon. This allowed more time and spaciousness for residents and staff to engage with each station, revisit and view the art displays, and for the artists themselves, to celebrate their accomplishments and validate their artist identities (as they soaked in the enthusiastic feedback and affirmation from others).
“I was absolutely amazed at how proud everyone was of their work. They took the time to showcase their pieces and share their creative process.”
“The art creativity day was truly amazing. It was a time for residents to communicate their thoughts and art with other residents, family members and staff. A wonderful sharing experience. The art work on the gallery wall was spectacular. Residents were proud to see their work on display. ”
“It’s very humbling to see the residents get so excited over art, and take the time to finish a piece carefully even if they are so eager to finish it quickly. Some of these individuals had never been interested in art in their past, however they are totally engaged now. It’s such a wonderful experience to witness.”
Gratitude Art.
In response to the vibrant colours and energy that filled the room, the warm and playful connections with residents and staff as they engaged with the activities … and my feelings of joy as I was gifted this opportunity to celebrate creativity in such a lively way, I began a gratitude eco-art circle the morning after. I incorporated each of the elements from the final nature circle created onsite with our LTC resident community (and, accented with leaves from my garden and bright coloured feathers). I also added elements to represent four directions suggested by an indigenous artist in our LTC home.
I wanted to build a larger gratitude art piece to allow time for reflection, grounding and a very-much-needed gentle nudge into a slower paced day.
Again, a huge thanks to those who provided wonderful support and encouragement throughout the day (Tracy, Sureesh, Barbara and Isabel) participants, staff and guests. This helped to make our afternoon of creativity such a success!!!
