RESIDENTS at Wearne House in Mandurah have taken part in an art therapy exhibition aimed at helping those living with dementia.
About 20 residents, some with dementia, produced artwork for the third annual Project Picasso Exhibition, which will be launched on July 16 in Perth.
More than 100 residents and clients from 12 Amana Living care centres including Wearne House produced 240 artworks for the art therapy program.
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Rowena McEvoy said the project had been a success, with Wearne House hosting its own exhibition of the works earlier this week.
“We had one resident do 11 different pieces and a lady in her 90s did some really lovely work,” she said.
“It wasn’t just based on painting: we tried to use things that we didn’t have to spend money on, things like old jigsaw pieces and buttons.
“One of the pieces we’ve decided to keep and to frame for our hallway.”
Amana Living dementia and restorative services manager, Louise Hancock said the artworks were “fascinating and often surprising.”
“We have been blown away by the talent that our residents and clients living with dementia have displayed,” she said.
“Sadly though, people who used to be highly artistic have lost some of their skills, evidence of the damage that the disease does to the brain.”
The artworks were produced over a six-week period with the help of Amana Living staff and about 60 volunteers.
