The JFS Helping Hands Art Program will have an art show in the Sig Held Gallery at the JCC with the art reception on September 11, 2024, from 6-9 pm. The show will highlight the work of one artist, Sheila Silverman, who has participated in the program for the past two years. JFS partners with Eileen Wallach, a trained OMA instructor, to provide the art sessions. We sat down to interview Eileen about her experiences with OMA.
What is JFS OMA?
“Opening Minds Through Art is a program for people with cognitive disabilities where participants work one on one with a facilitator to create abstract art.”
Who qualifies for the program?
“Anyone with a diagnosis of Dementia in any stage of the disease.”
Do you need art ability to participate?
“No. Less is better. “
Where does the program take place?
“The program can take place in your home, in an assisted living facility, almost anywhere with a quiet, private space for the client and myself along with a family member or assistant. It can even be done outside.”
What are the benefits of OMA?
“When people have cognitive issues, they lose control of their own decisions and OMA gives people control of all the decisions while they are creating art through choosing the colors and materials they want to use and how they use it in the art project. They also get to name each finished art piece.”
What led you to become an OMA instructor?
“During a training for Art for Healing in California, I met a colleague who introduced me to OMA, and I thought it would be a great addition to my non-profit YOUR HEART ON ART since at the time, I was not working with seniors. My work was mainly focused on trauma, and I felt that Cognitive Disabilities is also trauma related so OMA was a good fit for me. It was another way to help people with art who are struggling.”
Is there a moment with a client that stands out in your mind and why?
“I worked with one client from the beginning stages to needing total care. Each painting was put up in her room and when I walked into her room at the facility, there was her art all over her room. When I see the look on their faces when they walk into the gallery and see their artwork displayed. The entire time I work with someone, I call them an artist and I refer myself to the art lady. The art shows are so important because it gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride.”
Can you work with individuals with late-stage dementia?
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“Yes, if they can still hold an art brush or crayon in their hands and can stay engaged for at least a short period of time.”
What about early stages of dementia?
“Yes, individuals with any stage of dementia can participate in OMA.”
In addition to her work with JFS clients, she shared how OMA has impacted her personal life.
“I had a mom with Dementia who lived with me, so I wore the shoes of a caregiver. I had to find projects/activities for her to do and practice art with her. As my mom’s daughter, when she completed an art project, I was thrilled because she hated art and would frequently say she could not do it but then she would complete it and I would frame it for her. When she saw the framed art piece, she would state that she liked it not remembering she was the artist. I was spending quality time with my mom that resulted in a tangible outcome. I framed several of mom’s art pieces and sent them to her granddaughter in Australia.”
If you or anyone you know are interested in OMA, you can contact JFS at helpinghands@jfsnashville.org or 615-354-1686 for more information.
