Last year, the Black Swamp Arts Council began a mobile arts program and partnered with CHP Home Care & Hospice to introduce art, music, and movement activities twice a month at CHP’s adult day center in Archbold.
Art Time classes stoke imagination and creativity and provide clients mental stimulation. Music and movement classes focus on improving coordination, engagement, and mood.
The Arts Council has presented 61 classes and made over 535 individual contacts to date with clients at the day center.
“We\’ve truly loved our work there,\” said Diane Tinsman, MSW, LISW, director of the Mobile Arts Program. “Clients tell us how much they look forward to our classes and wish they were longer or more frequent,” she said.
Pride in their work
The artwork created often results in gifts for family and friends. Or, clients display it in their homes. One client gave a painting to her niece as a wedding gift.
\”We\’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much creativity our clients express,\” said Karin Weldy, CHP event and volunteer coordinator. “They take pride in their work and enjoy doing it.”
Music and Movement
“With music and movement, clients sit in their chairs or wheelchairs and get their bodies moving in active participation,\” Weldy said. \”They laugh and sing to the oldies!”
After the sessions, she says, clients have more energy and feel more coordinated. “There’s laughter and singing…it’s just a lot of fun!” Weldy said.
Rays of Hope Camp
Additionally, over 100 youth in the past two summers participated in therapeutic art projects through The Arts Council at CHP’s Rays of Hope Camp in Defiance.
“The feedback received from staff and campers is overwhelmingly positive and very rewarding to hear,” said Tinsman. Campers created art that helped them express feelings of grief and loss.
CHP’s Adult Day Center is located at 230 Westfield Dr. in Archbold and is a medically-monitored day program that serves both elderly and disabled adults who require daily supervision. Clients may attend for a full or partial day before returning home.
For more information, call 419-445-5128 or visit www.comhealthpro.org.