Catholic Healthcare St Catherine’s have helped transform dining rooms, pot plants and outdoor walls into brightly coloured murals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The artists include those living with dementia, and their ambitious projects have unlocked hidden talents.
Already four major works have been completed, with another two underway.
READ MORE:
St Catherine’s art therapist John Moran said he expected each mural would take months, but the enthusiastic residents have completed each one in five to six weeks.
“I do the sketches, while the residents do the painting,” he said.
“We’d get seven or eight out working on the murals for an hour, painting away.
“We were guiding them, but we don’t want to overstep. It’s their artwork.”
Mr Moran said art therapy is extremely helpful for the residents, as it gets them interacting with other residents, as well as the staff.
“These artworks are easy to paint, but they also look great,” he said.
“Some of the residents may not remember doing the painting, but they do recognise it.”
One resident who’s been heavily involved with the painting of the murals includes Sister Clement Lennox, saying the conversation, encouragement from other artists and company are all very enjoyable and that it lifts her up to God.