ROBBINSVILLE Senior citizens are using paintbrushes to relieve stress and anxiety at Art for Healing classes.
A recent pilot study conducted by Karen Oltarzewski, activities director and art facilitator at Rose Hill Assisted Living in Robbinsville, led to a surprising showcase of talented senior artists.
The facility recently hosted its first Art Exhibit, where more than 75 pieces of artwork were on display including: acrylics, watercolor, mixed media, and clay. The live vibes of sax player Ron Bass added to the ambiance of the event.
Art for Healing is a method of art used to help people express feelings related to stress. Based on four emotions, answered by abstract strokes, the language of color helps people identify feelings when they cannot find the words.
The Art for Healing method has also been shown to be effective in assisting people with post-traumatic stress disorder, divorce recovery, bereavement, cancer/ chronic illness, abuse, addiction, work related stress, or any stress related situation.
”Some of these paintings represent doors to the past for our memory impaired residents,” Ms. Oltarzewski said. “One painting entitled ‘My Grandmother’s Roses’ was especially meaningful to her family.”
Some assisted living residents and outside participants were initially resistant to try painting, but soon began to embrace the method and were anxious to do it again, Ms. Oltarzewski said.
”It’s not about creating a masterpiece, but more about how the creative process makes you feel it’s healing.”
Therapeutic group sessions for families coping with caregiver stress due to a chronic illness or an aging parent are also available. To learn more about this unique art method or inquire about workshops at Rose Hill: contact [email protected] or see the website at www.heartworkstlc.com.

