HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY
Art has long been celebrated as a powerful form of expression, allowing individuals to convey emotions and ideas that words alone often can’t capture. Engaging in artistic activities offers profound benefits, fostering mental, emotional, and physical well-being. At JSL, we believe in and explore the transformative power of art in the lives of our residents.
There is therapeutic power in making art. Art therapy uses the creative process to improve a person’s well-being. This practice is beneficial for older adults and offers cognitive stimulation, emotional expression, physical benefits, and social interaction. Currently, Fleischman Residents in memory care and assisted living are working with a teacher from the FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and teaching different ways to understand and communicate their thoughts and feelings. We are deeply grateful to the Cutler family for facilitating this grant in the arts at Fleischman.
Creating art stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive functions. This can be especially beneficial for older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline or conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The creative process can help maintain or even improve memory and problem-solving skills. Art allows individuals to express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. Consider the creative activity taking place at the Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program. https://www.brownadultday.org/
Art can provide a safe and accessible outlet for older adults who may be dealing with feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Engaging in artistic activities can improve motor skills and eye-hand coordination. Activities like painting, sculpting, knitting and crocheting can help maintain dexterity and reduce pain and stiffness in the hands and fingers. Group art activities can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Shared creative activity builds connections and offers opportunities for socialization. We are deeply grateful to the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit for their grant supporting the arts at Meer Apartments, allowing a complete makeover of the art room for the residents and teachers who spend time there.
As an artist, I draw inspiration from renowned older artists whose works highlight the healing potential of creativity. Yayoi Kusama, a legendary avant-garde Japanese artist, painter and visionary now 95 years old, has used her art to cope with mental health issues throughout her life. Her iconic polka dots and infinity rooms are visually stunning and express her quest for self-expression and mental clarity. Her story has been the subject of many books for adults and children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG_8vNTAXbY If you enjoy Instagram, you can find Yayoi here: https://www.instagram.com/yayoikusama_/ And here: https://www.instagram.com/yayoikusamamuseum/
Louise Bourgeois, a French American sculptor, continued creating powerful and provocative art well into her 90s. Her work explored themes of family, sexuality, and the subconscious, and provided her with a means of processing complex emotions and experiences from her past. Her famous spider sculptures seen around the world are representative of her family’s weaving business. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-vYvqxHejY
Grandma Moses, another celebrated figure, began her painting career at the age of 78. Her story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to start something new, and that creativity can flourish at any age. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dTLiG_slQQ
Grace Brett was a member of a secret band of guerilla crocheters, who bedecked their town in artful yarn. Members of the ‘yarn bombing’ team are mainly over 60, Grace was the oldest at 104. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4f42h4zQKA
To harness the therapeutic benefits of art exploration, JSL offers creative art classes on both campuses and all buildings. Woodworking takes place at Meer in Rick’s Wood Shop, often led by volunteer Howard Kloc. Classes taught by professional artists and life enrichment coordinators use a variety of supplies for painting with acrylics and watercolors, clay, sand, flower arranging. There are crochet and knitting classes taught by residents. Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan has stimulated everyone on campus with her mosaics made of clay and more recently, sand. One of our most popular classes is for residents who make beaded necklaces. Special thank you to Jonathan Lowe for continuing support of the Judy Lowezl Beading Fund at JSL.
Creative activity in a nonjudgmental atmosphere offers a remarkable opportunity for JSL residents to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically engaged. Through the creative process, everyone can find a sense of purpose, express their emotions, and connect with others. As the stories of famous artists throughout the centuries illustrate, art can be a lifelong source of healing and joy that can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Because of your generous financial support, we offer residents the opportunity to explore and exercise their creativity in addition to providing a variety of ways to learn. When you visit our campuses, stop for a tour of the residents’ recent artistic creations on display. You’ll be impressed and inspired.
Shabbat Shalom.
