Alina Kurbiel, a parishioner at St. Joseph in Fullerton, says taking art courses not only allows seniors to tap into their creative side, but it all has some important health benefits.
Kurbiel, a native of Katowice, Poland, and a computer scientist, teaches drawing and painting in Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Renaissance Institute as well as with the Baltimore County’s Seven Oaks Senior Center.
The art classes can be an important part of seniors maintaining their cognitive ability as well as a terrific way of socializing.
“Engaging in art allows seniors to tap into their creative side,” the Perry Hall resident and mother of three said. “Creativity involves problem-solving and thinking outside the box, which can stimulate different areas of the brain.”
The weekly classes, conducted mostly remotely, often include up to 40 participants. Seniors work on their artwork while Kurbiel demonstrates techniques and skills. At the end of each session, participants share and analyze each other’s work.
“Engaging in creative activities like art can reduce stress and anxiety,” Kurbiel said. “When you are going into a class, you really are leaving all your problems behind and focusing on the art.”
Kurbiel said seniors having memory difficulties often lose their short-term memory first. Focusing on art can exercise that short-term memory as the artist concentrates on an image and then tries to recreate that image in their work.
Kurbiel also reaps some benefits. “Teaching art to seniors allows me to connect with them and celebrate the beauty of God’s creation,” she said.
Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org
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