The Vermilion Public Library’s Artists of the Month are residents of the Islay Assisted Living ‘Creative Art Program.’
This program has been an ongoing project for over three years, and is said to have strong participation and attendance. It is a form of expressive therapy that gives residents an opportunity to express and understand their emotions. They get to be creative with their canvas and acrylic paint, creating pictures in a number of different styles.
“I’m very proud of each and every one of our artists. Art can be a form of healing and treatment as it allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. People can communicate through art as well; things they cannot say out loud may be spoken through a picture,” said therapy assistant, Carolyn McKinnon. “It has been proven that art can improve a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It can reduce stress, and improve self-esteem. It promotes personal development, increases coping skills, and can enhance cognitive function. I feel very fortunate to have witnessed this magical transformation with several residents. It requires an immense amount of courage, self-resiliency, perseverance, and support to take a leap of faith in accomplishing new endeavours in life and our residents have demonstrated with perfection all the qualities necessary to embrace adversity and live life with a graceful acceptance.”
