Many friends of Bella Vita Solutions know that we have been offering all sorts of art classes to our clients through the new Creative and Performing Arts Program. We are now in our 4th session of these classes, and we have been both pleased and excited to see the growth and success of the participants. However, many may still be wondering just what exactly our intention and purpose is for the classes. Well, this blog will answer just that!
Clients that participate in Creative and Performing Arts classes get to choose from a variety of classes – including various dance, visual art, 3-D art, drama, music, writing and coloring classes. These classes are written and designed specifically for our clients. They are structured to both encourage and challenge the participants in unique skills and talents. Participants get the option to choose which classes they would like to be a part of. In addition, classes are regularly rotated so that participants can try of variety of art forms.
In a world where value and success are measured quantitively, it can be hard to see why the arts are important. The many quality benefits of art classes in all mediums is hard to measure on paper. However, the truth is that the arts are one of the greatest ways to learn life skills, develop motor skills, find a positive self-worth, and heal emotionally and physically.
The arts offer a place for individuals, such as are clients, to learn employment and life skills in a fun and up-lifting way. The life skills are taught, but practiced in a way that participants can grasp and enjoy. For instance, our drama group is learning to work together as a team. They are quickly realizing the effects that happen when one person doesn’t pull their weight. This has created a greater understanding of team work and dedication – skills that translate very well into both workplace and social environments.
Participants in our classes also have a safe place to develop themselves in creative ways. In art classes, clients get to work on both fine and gross motor skills that have been a challenge to develop. The safe environment gives them a place to try and re-try without feeling overwhelmed. In addition, their self-esteem is increased when they realize that they CAN do something that they were previous told was impossible for them to accomplish. Suddenly, they realize they can identify as more than just an individual with disabilities. Now, they are an artist, a dancer, a musician, or whatever they chose to put their mind to and practice.
Finally, it has become more and more well known that the arts can be a place for everybody. Whole new categories of therapy are being created that are centered around the arts. Many colleges and universities are offering degrees in Music, Dance, and Art Therapies. Many hospitals are now offering art programs to young patients and critically ill individuals. Science is just starting to understand the amazing effects that all art forms have on the brain. However, it is proven that there is a profound effect on the health and healing of those participating in the arts.
Moreover, the arts also provide a place for self-expression and stress-relief that many of our clients will never find anywhere else. The mass popularity of adult coloring books is proof itself that people of all ages and life-settings find the arts to be both refreshing and relaxing. Participants with histories of anxiety and anger find the art classes to be especially useful in their daily lives, simply for the coping opportunity that it provides.
Since the beginning of our program, we have seen our participants grow in leaps and bounds. Sometimes the progress is subtle or takes time. But with allowance of that time and a little bit of patience and trust, our clients are achieving things they never dreamed possible before. It brings a smile to our face and joy to our hearts to watch them perform and create. It is exciting to know that these classes offer them benefits and opportunities that will continue to help them have a beautiful life.