Proposal Title
Spice it Up! An Art Therapy Workshop with Older Adults in Lebanon
Abstract
Turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon are spices that awaken the senses and evoke memories and traditions in Lebanon. Transforming these everyday spices into vibrant paints, MA art therapy student Joy Geha and ET faculty Raquel Stephenson co-led an art therapy workshop at Beit Rafqa, a residence for older adults in Batroun, Lebanon. Participants and staff alike were illuminated by the unique art making experience, which was also an introduction to the benefits of art therapy. This paper presentation will describe the workshop, including the conception of the collaboration, development of the transformative spice painting technique and the outcome of the workshop with older adults in Lebanon. Art making that includes multi-sensory stimulation, such as this spice painting workshop, can help to increase organization, motivation, social connections and overall enthusiasm for the experience. By incorporating texture and smell into this art making experience, participants became more connected with the process, with each other, and gained greater access to their emotion and memory.
Abraham, R. (2005). When words have lost their meaning: Alzheimer's patients communicate through art. Westport, CT: Praeger.
Love, K., and Pinkowitz, J. (2013). Person-centered care for people with dementia: a theoretical and conceptual framework. Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging, 37(3), pp. 23-29.
Mimica, N., & Dubravka K. (2011). Art therapy may be beneficial for reducing stress-related behaviours in people with dementia - case report. Psychiatria Danubina, 23(1), 125-128.
Stephenson, R.C. (2015). Color my words – How art therapy creates new pathways of communication. In L. Cardoza (Ed) Communication and Aging: Creative Approaches to Improving the Quality of Life. Plural Publishing, Inc.
Start Date
27-3-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
27-3-2019 1:50 PM
Room Number
U-Hall 3-101
Presentation Type
Paper
Spice it Up! An Art Therapy Workshop with Older Adults in Lebanon
Turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon are spices that awaken the senses and evoke memories and traditions in Lebanon. Transforming these everyday spices into vibrant paints, MA art therapy student Joy Geha and ET faculty Raquel Stephenson co-led an art therapy workshop at Beit Rafqa, a residence for older adults in Batroun, Lebanon. Participants and staff alike were illuminated by the unique art making experience, which was also an introduction to the benefits of art therapy. This paper presentation will describe the workshop, including the conception of the collaboration, development of the transformative spice painting technique and the outcome of the workshop with older adults in Lebanon. Art making that includes multi-sensory stimulation, such as this spice painting workshop, can help to increase organization, motivation, social connections and overall enthusiasm for the experience. By incorporating texture and smell into this art making experience, participants became more connected with the process, with each other, and gained greater access to their emotion and memory.
Abraham, R. (2005). When words have lost their meaning: Alzheimer's patients communicate through art. Westport, CT: Praeger.
Love, K., and Pinkowitz, J. (2013). Person-centered care for people with dementia: a theoretical and conceptual framework. Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging, 37(3), pp. 23-29.
Mimica, N., & Dubravka K. (2011). Art therapy may be beneficial for reducing stress-related behaviours in people with dementia - case report. Psychiatria Danubina, 23(1), 125-128.
Stephenson, R.C. (2015). Color my words – How art therapy creates new pathways of communication. In L. Cardoza (Ed) Communication and Aging: Creative Approaches to Improving the Quality of Life. Plural Publishing, Inc.
