Residents of Arbor Terrace Mountainside had visions of painted pumpkins and sunflowers dancing in their heads leading up to their recent fall paint and sip event. Although paint kits and wine were in abundant supply during the social in the Tavern, so were the spills, according to staff.
In the wake of COVID-19 distancing restrictions and other strict guidelines in place, a creative outlet with libations to ring in the fall season seemed to be just what the group of seniors who make up this lively community needed. While mainly distributed on the Independent Living floor, a few Bridges residents with a love for painting were provided paint kits as well.
The fall-themed event allowed participating residents to create a canvas painting of a pumpkin, sunflower or other fall image. The step-by-step process guided by staff members put those at ease who initially doubted their artistic abilities. Spills included some oops moments with both wine and paint, which didn’t seem to deter the determined participants from forging ahead with their masterpieces.
“It was interesting to watch the residents give attention to detail and to see their confidence grow as they worked their way through their frustrations over minor mistakes,” said Amefika Gray, Engagement director. “But our activity coordinators encouraged them and assured them that mistakes are a necessary part of making beautiful art.”
A good time was had and the lesson learned was that the spills of life make the sips worth savoring and paint on the canvas a true work of art.
