ART
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a flat tabletop. It makes it so much easier for them to see. The pencil grip I use is not a writing grip; it is a grip which makes it easier for them to use their hands.” Since teaching her first lesson more than 10 years ago, Warfel has provided instruction to more than 18 facilities, such as senior centers, apartment buildings for low-income elderly, and adult daycare centers. “My range of experience working with this population is very broad,” said Warfel. “By observing which creative activities are successful and which are not, and why, I’ve built a strong art program for senior citizens.” Nearly eight years after her first senior-instruction class, she began a new collaboration. The initiative, created in conjunction with a nonprofit arts organization in Harrisburg, was called Jump Street and aimed to provide art classes to those suffering from Alzheimer’s. “I thought, ‘This is the challenge I have been preparing for all these years.’ We met the program services coordinator and set up the schedule,” explained Warfel. “I had only one requirement— select 10 people who could still write
their first name to join the class.” had on her mother’s ability to write her The first lesson was a drawing lesson; name.” however, before everyone got started, Warfel was astounded at the power of they were asked to write their name on such an activity. their piece of paper. “Neuroscientists All members of the are exploring class were able to evidence that do so, except for artistic expression one woman, whose stimulates the illness had growth of new progressed further brain cells and than the others. creation of new After explaining neuron networks in how to draw lines, the cerebral the class spent an cortex,” Warfel hour using the explained. muscles in their “Working with this arms, shoulders, group for almost and backs to two years gave me complete the task. many insights into At the end of the the capacity of the Warfel gives student Joann Greise lesson, everyone mind to create guidance on her drawing. was instructed to while suffering write their name endless losses.” again—including the woman with more She has seen her program’s positive advanced Alzheimer’s. impact on not only the elderly, but on “[She] wrote her first name in their loved ones as well. beautiful, cursive script,” said Warfel. “The families are so happy,” Warfel “Her daughter was there beside her. Her said. “It gives them some peace that eyes grew wide in amazement. She something is still going on in their loved couldn’t believe the effect that one hour one’s mind.”
For her exceptional work, Warfel was awarded Jump Street’s Spectrum Award for Excellence in the Arts in October 2006, recognizing her influential work with senior citizens suffering from dementia. Her innovations also inspired her authorship of a manual, Simple Lines Make a Difference. The manual, designed for non-artist use, guides would-be art teachers through Warfel’s proven methods, providing questions to ask and demonstrating each lesson. Even someone with no artistic background can read the manual and teach the lesson as if Warfel were there. As for the future, Warfel hopes to continue to spread the word about the power of art for the elderly. She would like to provide more seminars for caregivers in order to incorporate her program in retirement homes in various communities. “I’d like to do more of that,” she said. “I think that’s where the important work is.” To learn more about Barbara Warfel and her groundbreaking work with Alzheimer’s patients, visit her website at www.passeri-warfel.com.
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February 2012
50plus SeniorNews
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