By Joanne Curran, Alzheimers Scotland
An Aberdeenshire community group is helping people with dementia to connect through art.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Visual Arts Group brings together people living with the condition and their carers for weekly classes designed to boost their wellbeing and show off their creative side.
The sessions, held in Stonehaven Community Education Centre, are led by local artists Jen Stephen and Lin Anderson who volunteer for the charity, with help from fellow artist Margaret MacDonald.
Those taking part are encouraged to try their hand at a range of creative techniques, from painting to collage, printing and drawing. Completed works are then displayed in a public gallery space inside the community centre.
Jen Stephen, from Stonehaven, graduated from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen after retiring from a 30-year career as a geoscientist. She began leading the art group as a way to “give back”, after close family members were diagnosed with dementia.
She said: “The group isn’t just about being creative, it’s also about us having a laugh and a chat with a tea or coffee and a biscuit. No previous experience in drawing or painting is required. There is no judgement whatsoever. For me the reward is in watching someone getting totally absorbed in the moment, whether it’s in applying paint or sticking on collage. It feels good to think I just might be making a difference, however small.”
Lin Anderson, from Stonehaven, said: “The art group is a great place to relax with a cuppa and have fun experimenting with different types of art. There is no pressure, and it is lovely to see the smile on members’ faces when they complete a piece of artwork.”
The art classes are free to join and run in eight-week blocks. A new block is due to begin on 24 March, and the group is looking for new members to join. It’s open to anyone living with dementia or who is experiencing difficulties with their memory, including family and friends.
Dee Cobban, Alzheimer Scotland’s community activities organiser for South Aberdeenshire, said: “Our Visual Arts Group is a really friendly, relaxed space where people with dementia and their carers can come together and show off their creative side – whatever their ability.
“You can quickly see the benefits of art for people living with dementia – it can reduce anxiety, lift their mood and help them connect with others. Some participants may struggle to communicate verbally, but the art gives them another way to express themselves.
“It’s also a fun way for people to come together and make social connections, because living with dementia, or caring for a loved one, can be isolating.
“We’re so lucky to have amazing artists Jen and Lin leading the group. It’d be great to see new people joining in.”
Brian Shepherd, from Stonehaven, attends the class with wife Margaret, who is living with dementia.
He said: “The class gives Margaret something to look forward to every week. The company, meeting new people, and the volunteers are very helpful. We enjoy the different aspects of the class – learning new things and the social side too.”
George Gerrard, from Netherley, Aberdeenshire, cares for his wife Jenny, who is living with dementia and has been a regular at the art class.
He said: “The art classes are a real highlight for Jenny and I can see she gets a lot out of it. She also enjoys going to the social gatherings at the centre. They give her a purpose and help a lot with her mental health. Jenny enjoys having a chat and a cuppa with the other people there.
“While Jenny is at the class, as her carer it gives me a bit of a break and some time to myself.”
Monica, from Aberdeen, first started going to the Visual Arts Group around two years ago with her husband Barry, who was living with dementia.
She said: “Barry had always been very artistic and he very much enjoyed going to the Visual Arts Group. Lin and Jen were very welcoming and made us feel at ease.
“They helped Barry with his art projects and gave me the opportunity to do some painting myself, so I could switch off from all the daily worries that I had at the time.
“After Barry passed away, they very kindly let me continue with the art sessions and I appreciate the friendship and affection they have shown me. I always look forward to Monday mornings together with them and the other participants.”
- To find out more about the Stonehaven Visual Arts Group, contact Dee Cobban at dcobban@alzscot.org