Respite Through Art

Over eight years ago, we joined with other area professionals to create a new kind of support group for family caregivers. Our vision was to create a support group environment for family caregivers that was fun, relaxing, and creative; and that offered a monthly opportunity for respite and renewal through the creation of art and new relationships.

This thanksgiving season finds me very thankful for the number of guest artists, participants and other professionals who have helped make that vision a reality since 2014. Participants tend to come apprehensive and uncertain as to what an "art support group" will look like. They leave asking why our monthly group doesn’t meet weekly as they enjoy connecting with other caregivers in a very casual environment as well as experiencing the relaxation that comes from creating. While we say the process has always been more of the goal than the project, we have still enjoyed seeing some pretty amazing projects as a result. This month our participants requested something with turkeys so we created burlap turkey wreaths.

If you are a family caregiver who could use an hour of relaxing through creativity, please join us any 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center in Wilmington at the intersection of College and Shipyard Boulevard.