Opening Minds through Art (OMA)

Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program designed for older adults living with -and without – cognitive impairment. It was developed at Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University, in 2007. Its original design paired people living with dementia (artists) with volunteers (students, families, caregivers) who are trained to rely on imagination instead of memory and focus on remaining strengths instead of lost skills. OMA enables older adults of all cognitive abilities to assume new roles as artists and teachers and leave a legacy of beautiful artwork. OMA has been widely replicated.

Learn more about ScrippsOMA

Reaching older adults through togetherness and creative expression

The innovative methodology of OMA (oh-ma) brings together artists and non-artists into a community of equals where, as one participant said, “anything is possible.”

Support Growth & Connection

A positive environment encourages authentic one-on-one relationships and a sense of community.

Restore a Sense of Autonomy

Structured routine and trained volunteers support independent choice and self-expression, without the threat of failure.

Sharpen Cognitive Abilities

Participants are invited to engage in vital social, creative, and interpretive skills, strengthening confidence.

Celebrate Accomplishment

Layered abstract art projects are complex yet easy to do, yielding sophisticated, framable artwork.

Volunteer in a local OMA program!

Volunteers are at the heart of OMA. This is why we focus on recruiting, training and deploying volunteers to three Richmond area programs that exemplify the OMA method in three unique settings: public libraries, long-term retirement, and accessible subsidized housing.

OMA Chesterfield | Spring 2026 | OMA Clover Hill Library
People living at home partner one-on-one with a trained volunteer to create artwork while care partners enjoy respite at the library. Optional support from an Alzheimer’s Association team member.
Dates | Tuesdays | March 17, 24, 31, & April 7, 14, 21 | Art Show April 28th
Time | Session 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Volunteer timeframe 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location | Clover Hill Library | 6701 Deer Run Dr, Midlothian, VA 23112
Contact | OMAChesterfield@artforthejourney.org
Training | TBD

OMA St. Mary’s Woods
Residents partner one-on-one with a trained volunteer to create artwork in a convivial atmosphere where residents live both independently and with assistance. This program is a research and development site.
Dates | Friday mornings | Jan 30 – April 3 (off March 13) | Art Show April 24, 10 am
Time | 9:00 – 11:30 am
Location | St. Mary’s Woods Retirement Community | 1257 Marywood Ln, Richmond, VA 23229
Facilitators | Nan Pascal and Michelle Odom

Art Cafe at Marywood
Residents at Marywood Senior Apartments gather to create OMA art projects in a relaxed social setting, with 1:3 support from trained volunteers. This program is a research and development site.
Dates | 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
Time | 1:30 – 3:00
Location | Marywood Senior Apartments | 1261 Marywood Lane, Richmond, VA 23229
Facilitator | Steve Sawyer

New volunteer? Simply fill out our general volunteer form below and tell us about your interests!

Returning volunteer? Email Stephanie Shanks: stephanie@artforthejourney.org

Submit Volunteer Interest Form

Learn more about OMA Chesterfield

More than an activity

Learn about the OMA methodology.

Proven Excellence

Intergenerational Connections

Research-Backed

Meaningful Art

OMA was developed by gerontologist researcher Dr. Elizabeth Lokon at Scripps Gerontology Center – Miami University-Ohio. Since 2007, OMA has reached Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Spain, and the mainland U.S..

Hear from participants and their families

I feel like I can do anything!

Jean, OMA Artist
Age 91

[I love] all of the relationships I’ve built, with my partner and the OMA community. You can truly tell how much each week means to everyone involved and you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Ally, OMA Volunteer
Age 27

My mother is now the ‘artist’ she was told she never was. OMA showcases the caring and loving nature of the staff and volunteers.

Joseph, Son of OMA Artist

Bring OMA to your community

We make this program a reality for thousands of older adults by training and supporting OMA Facilitators in best-practice implementation. Art for the Journey is one of five OMA training hubs worldwide. The two centers in the U.S. offer training online (ScrippsOMA) and in-person (Art for the Journey).

Learn more about OMA Facilitator Training