When Words are not Enough...
Maureen Moses is the art therapist responsible for a variety of our DTA programs at Fairhill
Center and River’s Edge:
“For almost a year, a group of clients has participated in a series of classes focused on
learning watercolor. Our goal is to introduce participants to watercolor in a relaxed, supportive
fun manner, while teaching basic techniques and increasing skills. Many in the group have
physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities, so adaptations have been made as needed. While
each person is unique, Ron’s story is representative of the power of art in our lives. Ron had
painted for many years in the past, but as his Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) progressed, he had
become depressed and discouraged with his life situation. He had stopped painting and
discontinued many other activities that were once important to him. With encouragement from
his wife and a referral from the M.S. society, Ron found a welcoming and supportive group of
artists at the Art Studio. They helped him begin to paint again and his past expertise garnered
him praise and respect from his fellow artists. He became a regular, often ignoring severe
fatigue just to come, paint and forget for a few hours. He stated that the group had saved him by
giving him back his sense of purpose and satisfaction despite his disability. He heartily agreed
with a participant who said that I’m now known as an artist, not just someone with a disease
who can be ignored or discounted.”
"Scott participates in our Fairhill DTA program. In his own words, he describes the importance
of art in his life: “I suffer with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. It is
overwhelming… The art therapy setting feels safe and supportive… if I feel frustrated or
anxious, the painting helps me show feelings… it makes me feel safe… Art clarifies my
feelings… What the Art Studio has given me is hope.”
"Inspired by the work of women artists throughout the ages, a group of women has been
meeting at the Art Therapy Studio at Fairhill for over 4 years. In the words of the participants: “It
is a place we can come once a week to relax and leave behind the obligations and stresses of
home and our everyday lives. We can share our ideas in a creative and supportive atmosphere,
knowing that we will be encouraged and respected.”
"Jack is 81 years old, has mid to late stage Alzheimer’s Disease and is cared for at home by his
wife. Despite his continued decline in daily functioning, according to his wife, “coming to art
class is the only time he perks up and responds with an approving nod.” At a time when so
much of who Jack was has been lost, his artwork is a lasting gift to his family."
"After a physically and emotionally debilitating stroke, Mel began to paint. The classes have
helped improve his hand strength and coordination, cognitive functioning and spirits. Now 84,
Mel paints expressive, colorful images as a part of a weekly group at the Art TherapyStudio at
Fairhill.'
Back to Community-Based Program Page
Maureen Moses is the art therapist responsible for a variety of our DTA programs at Fairhill
Center and River’s Edge:
“For almost a year, a group of clients has participated in a series of classes focused on
learning watercolor. Our goal is to introduce participants to watercolor in a relaxed, supportive
fun manner, while teaching basic techniques and increasing skills. Many in the group have
physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities, so adaptations have been made as needed. While
each person is unique, Ron’s story is representative of the power of art in our lives. Ron had
painted for many years in the past, but as his Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) progressed, he had
become depressed and discouraged with his life situation. He had stopped painting and
discontinued many other activities that were once important to him. With encouragement from
his wife and a referral from the M.S. society, Ron found a welcoming and supportive group of
artists at the Art Studio. They helped him begin to paint again and his past expertise garnered
him praise and respect from his fellow artists. He became a regular, often ignoring severe
fatigue just to come, paint and forget for a few hours. He stated that the group had saved him by
giving him back his sense of purpose and satisfaction despite his disability. He heartily agreed
with a participant who said that I’m now known as an artist, not just someone with a disease
who can be ignored or discounted.”
"Scott participates in our Fairhill DTA program. In his own words, he describes the importance
of art in his life: “I suffer with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. It is
overwhelming… The art therapy setting feels safe and supportive… if I feel frustrated or
anxious, the painting helps me show feelings… it makes me feel safe… Art clarifies my
feelings… What the Art Studio has given me is hope.”
"Inspired by the work of women artists throughout the ages, a group of women has been
meeting at the Art Therapy Studio at Fairhill for over 4 years. In the words of the participants: “It
is a place we can come once a week to relax and leave behind the obligations and stresses of
home and our everyday lives. We can share our ideas in a creative and supportive atmosphere,
knowing that we will be encouraged and respected.”
"Jack is 81 years old, has mid to late stage Alzheimer’s Disease and is cared for at home by his
wife. Despite his continued decline in daily functioning, according to his wife, “coming to art
class is the only time he perks up and responds with an approving nod.” At a time when so
much of who Jack was has been lost, his artwork is a lasting gift to his family."
"After a physically and emotionally debilitating stroke, Mel began to paint. The classes have
helped improve his hand strength and coordination, cognitive functioning and spirits. Now 84,
Mel paints expressive, colorful images as a part of a weekly group at the Art TherapyStudio at
Fairhill.'
Back to Community-Based Program Page
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ART
THERAPY
STUDIO
THERAPY
STUDIO
| Client Stories |
| 12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120 216.791.9303 |
SINCE 1967
There are times when we
are out of touch with our
“self” and who we are or
what we feel. ART, both the
process and the product,
reflects the “self” and provides
us with unique ways to see
who and what we are.
are out of touch with our
“self” and who we are or
what we feel. ART, both the
process and the product,
reflects the “self” and provides
us with unique ways to see
who and what we are.
