When Words are not Enough...
Art therapist, Denise Cooper, works with groups of frail and well elderly individuals at Eliza
Bryant Village on a weekly basis:
“Our art therapy groups are designed to compliment the facilities’ activities and to provide a
creative outlet for participants, many of whom have physical disabilities from strokes and
other age related illnesses. The art making process accommodates a wide range of cognitive
and physical abilities – group members with memory or physical problems are supported and
encouraged by others. Most people begin with little past art experience – ‘I haven’t done art
since I was in school 60 years ago!’ Soon they are painting familiar objects like flowers,
landscapes and birds, as well as exploring various art media such as collage, sculpture and
printmaking. The group provides a place to relax, socialize and reflect on the past. Personal
creativity is encouraged and the artwork is honored for its individuality. Skill levels and self
confidence continue to increase and many members now paint on their own outside of the
group. A recent art show at Eliza Bryant, featuring their artwork, reflects their interests, life
experiences and personal styles – they take pride in their work and are eager to share it with
others.”
Phyllis, aged 94, was living an active life, filled with family, friends and church, when serious
health problems took away her speech and lead to residence in a nursing home. In spite of her
aphasia, Phyllis made attempts to speak. She is an outgoing, determined person and was
frustrated by her inability to communicate. Her social worker made arrangements for her to
work with an art therapist and she enthusiastically responded to the opportunity to express
herself in another way. She works with the art therapist weekly and in her sketchbook
between sessions on her own. Her paintings of the landscapes she sees from her window and
of her memories of sailing with her father provide glimpses into her imagination and strong
evidence of her continued interest in life.
Back to Off-Site and Contract Programs Page
Art therapist, Denise Cooper, works with groups of frail and well elderly individuals at Eliza
Bryant Village on a weekly basis:
“Our art therapy groups are designed to compliment the facilities’ activities and to provide a
creative outlet for participants, many of whom have physical disabilities from strokes and
other age related illnesses. The art making process accommodates a wide range of cognitive
and physical abilities – group members with memory or physical problems are supported and
encouraged by others. Most people begin with little past art experience – ‘I haven’t done art
since I was in school 60 years ago!’ Soon they are painting familiar objects like flowers,
landscapes and birds, as well as exploring various art media such as collage, sculpture and
printmaking. The group provides a place to relax, socialize and reflect on the past. Personal
creativity is encouraged and the artwork is honored for its individuality. Skill levels and self
confidence continue to increase and many members now paint on their own outside of the
group. A recent art show at Eliza Bryant, featuring their artwork, reflects their interests, life
experiences and personal styles – they take pride in their work and are eager to share it with
others.”
Phyllis, aged 94, was living an active life, filled with family, friends and church, when serious
health problems took away her speech and lead to residence in a nursing home. In spite of her
aphasia, Phyllis made attempts to speak. She is an outgoing, determined person and was
frustrated by her inability to communicate. Her social worker made arrangements for her to
work with an art therapist and she enthusiastically responded to the opportunity to express
herself in another way. She works with the art therapist weekly and in her sketchbook
between sessions on her own. Her paintings of the landscapes she sees from her window and
of her memories of sailing with her father provide glimpses into her imagination and strong
evidence of her continued interest in life.
Back to Off-Site and Contract Programs Page
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ART
THERAPY
STUDIO
THERAPY
STUDIO
| Group Stories |
| 12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120 216.791.9303 |
SINCE 1967
We must often function
according to other’s
schedules or agendas in
environments that are
unfamiliar and anxiety
producing. ART gives us
permission to work at our own
rate and to engage in a non-
threatening experience in a
safe environment.
according to other’s
schedules or agendas in
environments that are
unfamiliar and anxiety
producing. ART gives us
permission to work at our own
rate and to engage in a non-
threatening experience in a
safe environment.
