Who isn’t here, and how can we change that?
Elevating Lives through Art (ELA) is an Art for the Journey initiative to make best-practice visual art programming accessible to people of all ages and abilities, especially those marginalized due to condition or circumstance.
Grounded on the methodology of the acclaimed Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program, ELA’s first priorities are to make thoughtful adaptations to include people with physical disabilities, expand generational inclusivity, and replicate programming through training.
ELA programs are structured around five philosophical pillars:
1) Trauma-Informed Engagement
2) Strengths-Based Psychology
3) Low-Risk Creative Expression
4) Autonomy with Support
5) Diverse Community-Building
Research Partners
Through close partnership with Opening Minds through Art based at Scripps Gerontology Center at the Miami University-OH, Art for the Journey has served as Master OMA Trainers and curriculum collaborators since 2016. After Elizabeth Lokon (PhD) developed the OMA program in 2007, the OMA team at Scripps continues as the fountainhead for facilitator training and support, both nationally and internationally. They also develop innovative creative arts programming for older adults, bridging age and cognitive barriers through art. We are grateful to continue our partnership!
VCU Occupational Therapy
Since 2018, we have had the privilege to partner with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Occupational Therapy faculty and Doctoral Capstone students to co-design projects that align with our organization’s goals through the mentorship of Dianne Simons (PhD, OT, FAOTA). In 2027, we will welcome another student focusing on data-driven adaptations to develop ELA with the guidance of Audrey Kane (PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA).
Photo Gallery
