Despite any barriers, Art Heals seniors at Jubilee Lodge.
Since 2003, the Two Rivers Gallery program has taken visual arts inside the doors of the University Hospital of Northern B.C., offering participants the opportunity be successfully creative at the Nechako Treatment Centre, pediatric and adolescent psychiatric assessment units, the Nechako Youth Treatment, adult psychiatric unit, adult detox and most recently into long-term care facilities Jubilee Lodge and Rainbow Lodge.
"We were always told to colour inside the lines, remember that? Don't go outside of that line," said Arlene, an 85-year-old-resident at Jubilee Lodge, as she showed off her new pass time. It's the latest thing. It's an adult colouring book with intricate patterns to challenge those with nimble fingers and creative minds.
"So here I am colouring away," said Arlene, who decided that participating in offered activities is the perfect way to pass the time at Jubilee Lodge where she has been a resident for about five years.
Because Arlene is terribly hard of hearing, sometimes instructions are not heard so she said she improvises during the monthly artwork sessions.
"We love to do art here," said Gloria Fox, recreational therapist at Jubilee Lodge for about eight years.
Recreational therapy staff at Jubilee were pleasantly surprised the residents were willing to give the art heals sessions a try, said Fox. The residents seem more engaged with one another during the art activities, took pride in their projects and enjoy having their artwork displayed to brighten up the lodge, she added.
"I love to harmonize colour," said Arlene about her artwork she's done during the art heals sessions.
Arlene is the type of resident that will try new things when they are offered.
She's the perfect type of person for this kind of project that embraces unique perspectives, said the art heals coordinator.
"I like projects that are accessible to everyone and then they can be made to be very individualized and adaptable because people have different abilities," Charis Alderfer-Mumma, the art heals coordinator from Two Rivers Gallery.
"I really believe in the therapeutic and enjoyable nature of how much art can do for all sorts of folks of all ages. This is the best part of my job. I love to work with all the different groups."
