NEXT-LEVEL ART STUDIOS
“The classes have been so well-received that we had to bring the art instructor from part-time to full-time with us,” says J Scott Judy, CEO of Masonic Homes Kentucky.
“We have residents that move in and initially there’s no interest,”
Laloyan says. “But as they become a part of the community, they find some type of art that really brings out a passion that they never thought was there.”
Finding their passion Masonic CEO Judy says that one of the most satisfying outcomes of having an art studio at Meadow is seeing people with no prior art experience find a passion for creativity. One day, he recounts, he saw a resident painting, and made a
remark about the man’s obvious talent. The resident said he had no idea he could paint until he started taking classes at Meadow. “To see the pride and sense of accomplishment that he had on
his face from that, I could tell it was a life-changing experience for him,” Judy says. Residents with no art background can benefit from sampling
a variety of classes to find something they may want to pursue long-term. Their classes should be aimed at encouraging them to explore new things rather than focusing on technique. At Brightview, beginning art students at Brightview might start
with learning about artists and how they work, or they might exper- iment with different mediums such as oils or watercolors. Having a range of choices gives them the independence to choose what’s most appealing. Advanced students are more likely to request spe- cific classes to enhance their existing skills. “It’s really about giving them opportunities to find what might speak to them on a deeper level,” Ray says. “I call it sparking joy. They could reignite an old passion or start a new one.” That passion is enhanced by the social aspects of making art in a
community setting. “Our art studios are really a place of socializa- tion and connection,” Laloyan says. They’re a place for residents to engage in creativity among supportive companions. A well-designed and thoughtfully programmed studio can im- pact a community in surprising ways. During pandemic lockdowns, staff at one of Brightview’s art-oriented communities devised a way to create a sense of unity while everyone was isolated in their own rooms. Each resident was given art supplies and a picture to paint or decorate. When the pictures were done, they were all joined together in a large mural. Through this project, the community could create something together even though they were physically apart. “The art studio and their classes really did bring them together in a way that made a big difference for them,” Ray says.
26 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ART STUDIO?
Space
A good art studio needs plenty of space for classes, people, and equipment. It should be large enough to accommodate a class of painters with easels or a group of fabric artists working on quilts. Remember that space will also be taken up by storage units, worktables, and cleanup areas. Make the room bigger than you think it needs to be.
Storage
Provide storage for general tools and supplies as well as lockable storage for residents’ individual items. Painters will need vertical storage for canvases. Clay sculptors will need cubbies or shelves to store and dry their projects.
Light The best light for studios comes from large north- facing windows. This helps to reduce glare and provides the most accurate view of colors.
Comfort and safety Ideally, the studio will have a restroom nearby, so artists don’t have to put everything away to take a bathroom break. Adequate ventilation is a must. Sinks should have traps installed to collect paint and clay residue. Adaptive equipment such as easy-to-hold paintbrushes should be provided for those who need it.
Programming Especially when the studio is new, it’s important to entice residents to come and try their hand at art. Residents who would never dream of going to the studio on their own might be tempted by a fun class they can attend with others.
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