Enriching Lives with the Visual Arts

Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI) in Arlington, MA is a recent recipient of generously donated original works of art, facilitated by The Art Connection of Boston.  Donors and artists who have shared their wonderful collections include Geoff Carr and Iris Constantine Carr, Susan Heideman, Marjorie Javan and Sandy Wadlington, Marja Lianko, Mark Peterson, Marcia Sewall, Janet Shapero, Anne Silber and Nina Wishnok.  Many of the artists and donors live in the Boston area and have chosen to make their work accessible to non-profit organizations providing social services.  The art displayed varies from oil on canvas and lithographs, to photography and acrylic paint on different mediums.  CESI is very thankful for the opportunity to have donated visual art for the enjoyment of program participants, employees, family caregivers and visitors from the community.  Since clients at CESI may not have the ability to visit an art museum, it is much appreciated to have art inside the center. 

At CESI, art has always been an important part of daily activity programs.  Painting, making collages, crafts, and flower arranging, dancing and singing are just some of the creative and meaningful activities included at CESI, to provide social, emotional and physical health benefits for elders.  Now, thanks to The Art Connection, artists and donors, original works of art are enriching the lives of elders on a regular basis. 

CESI was established in 1979 and currently operates five Adult Day Health and Memory Care programs, located in Arlington, Burlington, Concord, Groton and Milton.  Each center provides a welcoming day-time environment for local seniors, with nursing care, nutrition, socialization with peers, therapeutic activities, social services, caregiver support and round-trip transportation offered throughout the week.  The mission of CESI is to delay or prevent nursing home placement by promoting health and independence, and enhancing the quality of life for elders living in the community.  To learn more or to schedule a tour, please call 781-863-1166 or visit www.elderdayservices.com.

The Art Connection provides a unique and creative collaboration between artists, donors and social service agencies, with the mission to enrich and empower underserved communities by expanding access to original works of visual art.  Since 1995, The Art Connection has facilitated thousands of art installations into hundreds of organizations, bringing art into environments to promote healing, reflection, inspiration and hope.  For more information, please visit www.theartconnection.org