OMA Facilitator Course Registration deadline approaching!

The next “Hybrid Course” is approaching! The Scripps Gerontology Center – Miami University, OH “Opening Minds Through Art” (OMA) Facilitator Certification Course begins on September 30th, 2019! There is still time to register! The online portion spans about one month for participants to accomplish the 15 hour course. The “hands-on” practicum occurs on Thursday, November 7th, and Friday November 8th, 2019. The course is art filled, and will offer you the background and developmental knowledge about the OMA program, and the resources you need to bring OMA to your site!

Register today! Visit the Miami University Website at www.scrippsoma.org or our the Art for the Journey program page to review information about OMA. OMA is a person centered, intergenerational abstract art program that was developed by Dr. Elizabeth Lokon, a Gerontologist and Graphic artist. OMA is an international best practice and is implemented across the USA, Canada and beyond. Art for the Journey has partnered with Dr. Lokon and provides a training hub for the hands on practicum, which is conducted at Saint Mary’s Woods Retirement Community in Richmond.

The OMA program has exponential impact!

The online course can be accomplished at your own pace, and the hands on practicum occurs for 1.5 days. Participants learn first hand how to implement OMA. NCCAP and NCCDP CEUs are provided, as well as certificates from Miami University for newly certified facilitators. Resources such as binders, thumb drives, dvds and online resources prepare individuals to implement OMA in new sites.

The overall cost for the course includes both the online portion and 1.5 day practicum. Travel not included. For questions about the “Hybrid OMA Certification Course” contact Cindy Paullin, Executive Director, and OMA Facilitator Trainer from Art for the Journey at: cindy@artforthejourney.org

The OMA program has exponential impact. Elders, volunteers, family members, and staff all receive inspiration, hope, joy, and amazing art filled experiences. The Art Show displays the sessions work, with titles, the volunteers celebrate the works of their partners, and the families see first hand how students and community volunteers spent time on a regular basis becoming a friend of a beloved family member. The art is beautiful, abstract, and an inspiration. The elder artists are so very glad and proud of the work they create. It’s amazing. Join us and learn how to implement the OMA program! Register at: http://miamiuniversity.cvent.com/events/opening-minds-through-art-oma-2019-20/event-summary-64c545ebc2e944eb9a68f15b7b053465.aspx

Join Art for the Journey for a night of art, food, drink, and pickleball! This "Mash-up" of ART and PICKLEBALL is a fun way to share the mission of Art for the Journey to transform lives through art and community!

This year, we have a super fun evening planned. There will be lots of art donated by local area artists, pickleball demos, pickleball courts for play, and lots of delicious food from the Sharper Palette, Belle Isle cocktails, a delicious assortment of fine wine, and a wonderful silent auction. You can play or you can simply watch and mingle! You can definitely see and bid on art, and enjoy the new and different ambience! Also, if you can not attend, you can register to bid on art during the silent auction right from home. We do hope to see you there!!!

Help Art for the Journey by attending the event, and you will make a difference in the lives of people ages five to 105! Art for the Journey seeks to deliver and promote positive mental health and well-being for those who have least access. This fun event will also help others!