When I first walked into the community center on July 7th, I was holding a box of paint and paper. I had no curriculum, no credentials, and no clue what to expect. When I walked out on August 14th, I had learnt lessons that I knew I had to share, memories that I attempted to catch in hundreds of pictures, promises I’d made to come back, and this sense of purpose that I’d like to share with you.

Art for Aunties & Uncles is essentially a summer camp for seniors. We had classes 3 days a week, 2 hours per class. At the start, I would provide a sample piece and help them through each step to paint that piece, as we progressed I would ask them to choose a picture from their camera roll and we would work through that individually. Before I knew it, we had gone through almost a month of classes, and now they asked me to sit down and paint with them; we had painted rocks, bookmarks, and masterpieces-together.

This project means a lot to me: I have been connected to these seniors for a while and this project will help me build this connection even more. I can also improve my skills as an independent artist as I help others develop their talent. Art means a lot to me individually, and to be able to share what I’m good at and something that means this much to me is an amazing opportunity. From previous classes and experiences with the seniors I have learnt that even one heartfelt conversation with them can change you a lot, they have so much to share and I am happy that this can be another outlet for them to share their experiences.

The aim of this project is to help these seniors who have helped our community so much. These aunties are very passionate about art; many of them have worked in various professions, and have amazing stories, and art is their form of expression at this time in their lives. I hoped to teach them skills that they can practice on their own, and help them create art that they are proud of. The goal of the “masterpiece” at the end and the gallery showcase is to encourage these seniors and their talent.

This story started long before this. It started in 2020, when I was brainstorming ideas on how to entertain my grandparents during Covid. So I took up the task of recording tutorials and sending them. While my grandma remained stubborn, my grandpa surprised us all. Turns out, he’s the Bob Ross who I got it all from! Seeing this excitement in someone who had never picked up a pencil to draw something, seeing what encouragement could do to someone even at that age, is what brought me to this stage. Being able to honor his memory this summer has been a blessing, and I know he would be proud of the smiles that I bring to others.

Many seniors face cognitive decline and loss of motor skills, the solution to assist these issues is simple. I would like to introduce you all to a concept that is being heavily researched, with many positive results: Art as therapy. 

Making art activates multiple neural regions at once, visual, motor, emotional, and decision making centers. This cross-brain stimulation helps strengthen neural pathways, a concept known as neuroplasticity, which supports memory, learning, and recovery. Research shows that even 45 minutes of making art can significantly lower cortisol and increase dopamine, so less stress, better sleep and immune function. Using brushes works the muscles of the hand, improving dexterity and supporting brain-hand coordination.

We’ve also been able to create a community that is constantly giving, and the results I’ve seen this summer have only strengthened my resolve to ensure that every senior has access to the right resources and a community like this.

So I hope I have inspired you as well, to reach out to a senior in your life-a grandparent, parent, neighbor-and to suggest art to them, not just as a hobby, but as the elixir to life.