Connecting by Creating

Date: Nov 23, 2021

Deadline: Dec 31, 2022 - 11:45 pm

Connecting by Creating is a new, inter-generational volunteer program at St. Michael’s Long Term Care Center in North Edmonton. With a focus on arts-based programming, we aim to improve the well-being of residents living with dementia through autonomy and creative self-expression, while encouraging intergenerational bonds with volunteers, and increasing understanding and awareness of dementia in the community. 

Connecting by Creating includes two programs - St. Michael’s Art Club, and St. Michael’s Theatre. Volunteers will spend an hour each week for six weeks in a creative, failure-free setting, assisting a resident living with dementia to express themselves creatively through abstract art or improvisation theatre acting and play. 

Art sessions will use Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) session techniques from the course based out of the Miami University Scripps Gerontology Centre . Volunteers will work with a resident artist to create a beautiful abstract art piece that encourages freedom of artistic choice and creative self-expression. 

Improvisation theater sessions will use Village improv techniques from Inside Out Theatre - a Deaf and disability theatre company based in Calgary, Alberta. Volunteers will spend time each week brightening residents days with improvisation theatre experiences. 

Anyone aged 14+ can apply to volunteer. We are currently recruiting for programs beginning in January 2022 and ongoing from there. 

For more information please contact Meagan Chapman at mchapman@smhg.ca or 780-473-5621 ext. 3223 (office hours Tuesday and Friday 8-4:15)