Bob Cass stands with Caiden Lau, who Cass depicted in the bottom painting || Monica Sager The student-older adult pairs created a variety of art pieces || Monica Sager Art participants at the Senior Center point to their work || Monica Sager Bob Wollerscheid stands with his work || Monica Sager Stan Goldie’s print || Monica Sager The artists used different painting techniques || Monica Sager The group enjoyed a meal together Wednesday as well || Monica Sager Some pieces were very colorful || Monica Sager A boat drawing ||. Monica Sager Families came to see the artwork too. || Monica Sager The artwork was turned into thank you cards too, which were for sale || Monica Sager
Swampscott High School students showcased the work they were able to accomplish with Swampscott High School students showcased work they created alongside Senior Center artists during an end-of-quarter display on Wednesday.
More than a dozen students enrolled in health teacher Hadley Woodfin’s “bridging generations” elective course. As part of the curriculum, students participated in the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program in partnership with the Senior Center and facilitator Siobhan McDonald.
“I honestly think it’s so cool to give students the opportunity for hands-on experiential learning,” said Woodfin. “It gives our students a sense of purpose, a sense of health, and it gives the seniors – they love talking with the kids and giving them advice. It’s really cool to see that develop.”
OMA is an evidence-based program that pairs students with older adults for creative, intergenerational collaboration. The older adults — many of whom have dementia — are the artists, while students serve as facilitators, encouraging art to emerge from imagination rather than memory. The program emphasizes retaining strengths rather than focusing on lost skills.
“The interesting thing about dementia in all of its forms is that the recent memories go, but they can remember their time in high school,” Woodfin said. “They can remember their time in high school, so it’s really them giving advice.”
The program has continued for three years thanks to grants from Greater Lynn Senior Services, according to Sabirna Clopton, associate director and outreach social worker at the Senior Center.
“It’s just another opportunity to educate another whole group about OMA and just the joy that this program brings,” Clopton said. “There’s so many benefits. I feel like our artists develop genuine connections with their students.”
Those connections often extend beyond the classroom. Woodfin recalled one student running into their art partner at Stop & Shop, while another served a participant at their restaurant job.
“It’s building these connections during the day but it’s also building it outside in the community,” Woodfin said. “You can’t measure that impact, but hopefully it’s leaving the building.”
Senior Center participant Bob Cass said he formed a close bond with his partner, Diego Miranda. Cass and Miranda even collaborated on a painting of another student, Caiden Lau.
“After a while everyone’s friends with each other,” Cass said.
Bill Wollerscheid said his favorite activity was block printing.
“It’s a super program,” Wollerscheid said.
