From "Artless" to Artful: How Mentor Ridge's Program Transformed Creativity

_{August 27, 2024}
Creating art has many benefits including but not limited to improved cognition and enhanced motor skills. The idea of creating art can also evoke feelings of nervousness for those with little art experience or who don’t consider themselves to be artists.

With the goal of taking stress out of the idea of making art and helping the process become fun and simple, the Art for the Artless program was created by the life enrichment department at Mentor Ridge Health and Rehabilitation.



When the program first began, some life enrichment staff members who also consider themselves to be “artless” utilized step by step tutorials found on TikTok and YouTube. Each month, participants’ confidence in their ability grew stronger as did their ability to create simple but attractive works of art.

Life enrichment assistant, Emmy Corsaro, attends Cleveland Institute of Art and was handed the program to lead during school breaks. Under Emmy’s guidance, the number of participants in the program has grown as well as the artists’ sense of accomplishment, feelings of well being, and pride in their work.



Recently, Mentor Ridge invited family members and members of the community in for the first Art for the Artless gallery show. Each participant in the program picked the paintings they wanted shown. The paintings on the front lobby wall look lovely. Family members and staff showed support by attending and offering well deserved compliments while enjoying fellowship and light refreshments. The paintings remained in the front lobby for a while so that all could enjoy the artwork.

We want our nursing home to feel like home for our residents. Providing activities and events like this gives them not only a sense of purpose but a better quality of life. We love being able to offer this and so much more through our Activities Department. Read about our residents' and families' experiences by clicking the button below.

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