SWAMPSCOTT — Community members gathered at Swampscott Senior Center on Wednesday afternoon for Opening Minds Through Art’s (OMA) art show, which highlighted the collaboration between high school students and seniors struggling with dementia.
OMA is an award-winning intergenerational art-making experience, which is designed to provide opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for seniors struggling with memory loss.
Program Facilitator Siobhan McDonald explained how the bonds formed during the program extend beyond the classroom.
“One of our students saw her artist partner, who’s living with dementia, at the Dollar Tree last week, and they went over and hugged each other. That’s a community connection that will keep on going… Today, so many people don’t live with intergenerational families, so for the students to have the opportunity to connect with older adults, I think the program helps both students and the adults,” McDonald said.
The day began with a class where students united with their artist partners. Then, parents, caregivers, and family members poured into the building for an up-close look at the artwork that decorates the halls of the senior center.
Toward the end of the event, both students and seniors received certificates of gratitude from McDonald, Outreach Social Worker Sabrina Clopton, and Swampscott Health teacher Hadley Woodfin.
“It’s something that is so rewarding. I feel like each time we conduct the program I learn more about the connections, and I see new friendships form. It never gets old, it never gets tiring, and it’s always super exciting,” Clopton said.
Student Eve Byrne said she enjoys art and that the program is a fun break from attending classes.
“My favorite part is being able to learn about peoples’ lives, and learning what they were like when they were younger… The program has made me more empathetic, more patient. I also feel like I’ve started to like art more, too,” Byrne said.
Student Kathleen Campbell, who was partnered with Byrne, said she thinks the program is awesome and that she really enjoys it. She added that she likes making new friendships.
Student Yasmin Hagayegi, who was partnered with her grandfather, said the program helps them to spend more time together.
“I think the program is very important, because I get to bring my grandfather. I just have so much fun with him, because I don’t really get to spend a lot of time with him, especially with school… So, it’s nice to have a place to relax,” Hagayegi said. “He hasn’t picked up a paint brush in almost five years, and he got special accommodations because he used to be a painter. He really enjoys it, and I think it gives him inspiration.”
For student Caiden Lau, participating in the program is a way to be more active in the community.
“It’s great that we have the senior center connected with the high school, because it gives us easy access to programs like this. My favorite part is just being able to paint with the seniors here, it’s a ton of fun. They always have such cool stories to tell, and the art show at the end of the program is great,” Lau said.
Woodfin noted that the program is truly heartwarming. She said it’s nice to see the students taken out of classrooms to give them hands-on learning experiences. Another element that she’s proud of is being able to see the students in a different light when they participate in OMA.
High School Principal Emily Zotto stressed the importance of expanding the school’s relationship with the community and strengthening those ties.
“Having the senior center right here allows us to have that partnership, so that students can learn, grow, apply their knowledge, and realize situations like this go beyond whatever we could teach in a classroom. I think that’s the part that’s really important to all of us,” Zotto said.
