An art program reaching out to isolated seniors in the community is focusing on the McMillan Arts Centre’s centenary.
The Seniors Outreach Art Program (SOAP), running for the third year, is government funded and allows seniors to come together and garner all the therapeutic benefits of doing art.
“A lot of the people here are dealing with physical challenges, from strokes to arthritis, to sometimes depression, but we work around these challenges,” said instructor Norma Chapman-Emerson.”
I think they get a lot of enjoyment out of doing something creative and seeing each other.”
SOAP participant Vera Worthington said she finds the program very helpful and enjoys the social aspect of the course.
This year the group is studying four artists spanning 100 years and four art movements they covered: Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism and Neo-Plasticism. Classes have begun and run Saturdays to Dec. 15.
There is still room for a couple seniors to join the group, contact the Oceanside Community Arts Council at 250-248-8185 for more information.