“Opening Minds Through Art” begins new session

The 2019 Spring session for the Saint Mary’s Woods OMA program has begun! Last week on February 1, several new volunteers participated in the volunteer training. 7 students from VCU ASPiRE are returning, as well as staff and community volunteers. We expect 20-25 volunteers every week and work with 17-18 elders, we really have a big art party every week!

OMA is so very compelling, and so much fun, we are so eager to begin this Friday, February 8th at 9:30 a.m., and are delighted to have our volunteers and elders form new friendships and create abstract art.

OMA is so very compelling, and so much fun, we are so eager to begin!

Pairs meet every Friday morning for about two months, until the final Friday of the session when Saint Mary’s Woods creates and Art Show exhibiting the beautiful abstract art. The show will celebrate artists, residents, and family members and is open the public.

The session will be led by Artist Jamie Wigginton and the Art for the Journey team of staff and key volunteers. We all participate and have heartfelt enjoyment of this impactful program that is designed to promote well-being in people with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

The Saint Mary’s Woods OMA program is a robust success and a best practice. Dr. Lokon at Scripps, Art for the Journey, and Saint Mary’s Woods partner in creating practicums for other people to become certified to bring this award winning program to facilities around Virginia and beyond.

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!