Hi, my name is Erica Curcio
Hi, my name is Erica Curcio, and I facilitate groups that specialize in Art Therapy for Seniors in Boston, MA..
Have you thought about providing art classes for seniors in your community center; and IMMEDIATELY feel overwhelmed by the idea of what projects to lead, thoughts of is it age appropriate, or will my seniors like creating art? Please know, you are not alone! Many program coordinators feel this exact same way.
I help EASE YOUR ANXIETY
I take over the responsibility of curating and leading a monthly art therapy workshop for you and your senior center. Imagine no more pressure looking on the internet for art projects, wondering will my participants like this?
If you’re ready to create a deeper community, spark moments of joy and increase curiosity for your seniors, send me an email today!
My approach to Art Therapy for Seniors
Art Therapy for Seniors occurs in a group setting. Your local senior center, library, council on aging or any other organization that offers group programming to seniors hosts the location and we lead the workshop.
Our group programming is modeled on two different forms of creating art, process and product. Each month we alternate whether the program is process or product-based in an effort to reach more seniors in your community. To learn more about these different techniques read our blog post crafts for seniors here!
As art therapy for seniors facilitators, we’ve learned that some participants may naturally like a structured project with a clear end result (product), while others enjoy having flexibility and taking time to explore art supplies without a finished product in their mind (process). You can think of these programs as art classes for seniors, without the stress of wondering if you are doing it right.
Both process and product art groups are led by an Art Therapist, are forms of art therapy! There is no right way to create and we try to encourage seniors taking our programs to see this perspective. This happens both with the art supplies and the community that is created while in the group program. It’s always wonderful to see seniors encouraging one another and building friendships around the table.
Our art classes for seniors are considered art therapy because they are facilitated by a credentialed Art Therapist. An art therapist with a master’s degree in mental health must lead the program for it to be considered art therapy. Your therapist will be skilled in understanding the emotional impact that art supplies can have on a person using them. We believe all communities deserve this extra level of support.
Are you ready to try an Art Therapy Group for your community?
art therapy for seniors
frequently asked questions
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Community, Connections and Confidence! We find that when you create art in a group setting you are less likely to feel isolated and more likely to chat with the person sitting next you about the process of creating your art. Group members respectfully support and encourage one another as they create similar pieces of art. The comradery keeps participants coming back each month.
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As mentioned above, if facilitated by an Art Therapist, the program can be called art therapy. There are many different styles and theories when it comes to art therapy, ours is a combination of process-based and product-based art. In some groups seniors are creating art that will all have a similar product, ie crafting. In other groups seniors are taught a new art skill, like dot mandalas or watercolor basics, and then given the opportunity to create with their new found skill for the rest of the group session. No two pieces of art in these sessions look the same.
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Send us an email! To see some upcoming workshops in other communities, click here for our events page!
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No. Art Therapy for someone living with dementia is specifically created for someone who is having cognitive challenges. Group programs led for people living with dementia are often called Memory Cafes. If you are looking for a list of group programs to support someone living with dementia in Massachusetts, you can go to the Directory of Cafes here. If you’re a café coordinator, you can also hire us to come to your next café!
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Therapy is person specific. It is up to the person to decide which therapy they connect to. We believe that there’s benefit for everyone and sometimes it takes finding where you jive.
Start an Art Therapy for Seniors Group in your Boston-based senior center
Does your community offer art groups that allow for self-expression and create community? Are you looking for a different kind of art group that promotes personal well-being and self-growth opportunities for your clients? Art Therapy might be just what you didn’t know you were looking for!