Purple Art

Beginner artists welcome!

“You should see this! It looks like a sunset!” Abby lightly guides Cartier’s
hand on a sheet of mixed media paper. A few at the table smile a little –
Cartier is blind, so he can’t see it – but he can sure feel what is
happening beneath his hand and in the room around him, alive with
music and chatter.

Purple Art is a Boulder, Colorado-based creative art program for seniors
of all abilities. Abby Sivy and Cindy Parker have been leading expressive
art classes at area senior communities for six years and look forward
every time faces light up when we walk into the room to start a painting
session.

According to a Journal of Aging Studies study, there are six features of
successful aging: a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal
growth, self-acceptance, autonomy, and health.

The findings indicate that “creative activity contributes to successful
aging by fostering a sense of competence, purpose, and growth. Artistic
creativity also facilitates successful aging by encouraging the
development of problem-solving skills, motivation, and perceptions that
translate to practical creativity in the way these individuals manage their
everyday lives.”

Purple Art’s magic lies in the unique approach that we bring to each
session. There is no right or wrong. No representation. Just the joy of
moving color around the page, using a paintbrush, fingers, sponge
brushes, whatever feels right. It does not take long for the inhibitions to
melt away and the play to take over. Coloring within the lines is not
allowed! The goal is to make a mess and have fun.

Artists look forward eagerly to classes. We often bring images from
famous artists and paint “in their style” or provide pictures to inspire, or
big bunches of wildflowers (“you brought us the mountains!”) Some
participants have painted in the past and have renewed the practice with
enthusiasm. Others just paint, paint, paint. It’s so heartwarming to see
the support and encouragement that the participants give each other.

Our allies are the activity professionals and the care staff. They share in
the excitement of the session, help with materials and set up and often
sit with a participant who may have mobility or other issues to help guide
them.

People of all ages need validation and a sense of belonging. The
excellent organizations we work with recognize that creative
programming is a crucial component of care.

There is beautiful reciprocity in working with a different generation. This
connection is deep in our work: we learn tremendous lessons from each
Purple Art session and take a gem with us every time we leave. And we
know that we leave gems in the hearts and minds of our artists.