What is Roselyn’s Caring Canvases and how did it come to be?
I’m 13 years old and I teach art classes at memory care centers, often bringing friends from school to help me. I usually teach 3 to 4 classes a month on weekends during the school year, with more occurring in the summer. During the pandemic, I painted 1,400 5×7 canvases and donated them to memory care residents across Washington state. Now, I can go and help them paint.
Residents may choose to donate their paintings when the classes are finished, and I will sell them at art and craft shows to raise money for weekend food bags for students in need. It’s a great program, and the residents enjoy hearing how they are helping students who need food.
If the memory care has a piano, I also like to play for the residents after we paint. I have taken piano lessons for a few years and I love to play. They always clap and dance along. It’s fun!
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
I lost my grandpa to Alzheimer’s. Frank Anderson was a teacher and photographer for 26 years in Texas. I miss him and I like spending time with those who need a friend.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Those with dementia were once kids my age, and they have a story to tell. I learn a lot from them, even if they can’t say much. Kindness makes a difference.
How has the work been received?
The residents really are happy to see someone my age. At one place, a resident yelled loudly: “It’s about time we had some young folks in here!” Everyone laughed.
This work is dedicated to: My grandpa. He was a photographer and very artistic.
Find more from Roselyn’s Caring Canvases on Facebook and Instagram.
