Alzheimer's Art: Winter Scene

This week my Alzheimer's art group collaged winter scenes.

It is a stretch, to move them through three different concepts  - black trees, white snow, and collage - in one hour.

 But the hard work paid off. Each person found something that worked for them and pursued it. 

They finished happy, some so much so they stayed an extra 20 minutes, working or just talking about their art.



I always line the finished pieces up, and point out how good they look together. Then I  remind them that each piece is different, because each person is different.

One woman never says a word. But as she left, she turned to me and held out a last deer.

 "Would you please put this in the corner?" She gestured to a painting. I glued the deer down. "Thank you," she beamed.

With love

Some out-of-favor polka dots, skimmed with crimson and gold. Then a black-and-white text paper, veiled with crimson. Finally, lots of related circles from all these and more, using a Papertrey die so  hoop and circles match.  Little messages from tiny Papertrey stamps. Nice break on a quiet afternoon.

Last week, we made Valentines in Assisted Living. Something about all that pink brings out the best in everyone.

 Residents made cards. Staff joined in.  

"This should go on all day," declared the director.

 Cards were made for spouses, children, grandchildren. I talked one woman into making cards for her granddaughters in college. High point of my day.

The week before, I led Heart-Felt Collage at the Arlington Center for the Arts. 

So much loving creativity.

 And lots of paint.

Big hearts, creative people.  A great afternoon.

Valentines

 Alzheimer's class this week. Brought in a slew of pinks, reds, and florals. Together we all glued the biggest doiley onto our papers. Then each resident had a free hand to work as they pleased. Folks work at such different paces. They keep me busy.

Everyone needs a little help, each a little differently.

For some, language is tangled, but the urge to communicate shines through.

As the hour goes by, each person's style emerges.

A quiet composition

Joyful abundance

Rich and symmetrical

This person always wants a balanced composition, and edited carefully, bringing me over to help hunt for hearts that matched.

We had a few minutes left at the end of class, so I started a final card with the word "cherish" and brought it to each person to add something. The newest resident reached into a pocket and produced the blue buttons and jewels. Everyday has its suprise.