What is Artfully Aging® and how did it come to be?
Artfully Aging® is a watercolor art program for seniors of all skill and care levels. Its holistic approach makes each art session a meaningful activity in which participants can tap into their individual creativity while experiencing a sense of joy and empowerment.
Fueled by an extensive art background, experience working with seniors, and a desire to contribute to society, my vision began to emerge with Artfully Aging’s founding in 2009. By 2010, Artfully Aging began providing in-person art sessions for the St. Louis senior community. Following a pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, Artfully Aging developed a new business model virtually, which has allowed us to continue in our mission to serve seniors nationwide.
Today, this program can be utilized in two ways:
In-person art sessions are available to senior living communities and a variety of senior settings. Each session is conducted by an Artfully Aging facilitator trained in accommodating seniors of all skill and care level. Presently, in-person classes are exclusive to the St. Louis area.
The online program is ordered on the web and implemented in real time. Activity/care staff order ready-to-paint watercolor project packets from the website menu. Watercolor packets are shipped and “How to” project videos are accessible through a website login. The videos provide a program overview, step-by-step project instructions, and tips and techniques for working with all care levels.
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
My first experience with dementia was with my mother who passed in 2001 in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. I’ll never forget when she looked at me and said: “Ha, now you’re caring for me the way I cared for you.”
During the early 2000s, I worked as a freelance artist and had a burning desire to do something meaningful. Also, I was a part-time caregiver for a woman with Alzheimer’s. Caring for Shirley was very impactful. I recall the moment that I realized early on that there is a real person in there who, by the fact of her being is worthy of love, care, and respect. During this time, I began offering watercolor sessions in an adult day center. That’s when the seeds for Artfully Aging began to sprout.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Working with seniors who are living with dementia has been both a gift and a life-changing experience. Loving art since childhood, I’ve experienced firsthand the comfort that comes with engagement. This personal insight is what motivated me to move forward with this program. The joy I have witnessed in others has been the greatest gift!
My feelings around aging have shifted since working in this space. As I am reaching my later sixties (an older adult myself), I am coming to see aging as a normal part of living. I want to experience this phase of life as something to be embraced rather than avoided.
Another profound realization: I believe wholeheartedly we are all artists. I’ve seen firsthand how, when one relaxes and embraces the experience without intimidation something beautiful emerges. Artfully Aging is always about the process!
How has the program been received?
Participants, activity staff, caregivers, and family members overwhelmingly love our program, based on the feedback we receive! Reviews we’ve received include: “The hour went by so fast,” “This is very relaxing,” and “I didn’t know I could do this.” Activity staff let us know by coming to the table, curious about what we’re doing often joining in, scheduling us back regularly, and displaying the artwork in the community. Caregivers and families want their loved ones to participate because they realize the benefits of participation.
One particular participant stands out: Fern, a long-time memory care resident living with advanced dementia, would sit and pour over her finely detailed paintings. Her work had the feeling of a beautifully well-thought-out composition that was totally unrecognizable! She was beaming with joy and pride as she worked!
Find more information, visit Artfully Aging’s website or Mary Beth Flynn on LinkedIn.
