Opening Minds through Art (OMA)

Runk & Pratt is proud to be the premier sponsor for Opening Minds through Art (OMA),  an innovative and award-winning art program for people living with dementia and other neurocognitive disorders. OMA connects seniors with volunteers as they participate in engaging sessions of creating their own artwork! By encouraging creativity and self expression, OMA improves the well-being and quality of life of people with dementia, enhances their mood and self-esteem, and reducing stress and isolation.

Key features of the OMA program include:

OMA pairs people with dementia (artists) with trained volunteers (usually students) who provide one-on-one support during the creative process. This fosters meaningful relationships across generations.

The program empowers participants to create unique abstract art. By using imaginative and failure-free art projects, OMA allows individuals with dementia to express themselves creatively without fear of mistakes.

Research has shown that OMA improves the well-being and quality of life of people with dementia. It enhances their engagement, mood, and self-esteem while reducing stress and isolation.

OMA typically runs in 12-week programs, with weekly one-hour sessions. Each session is carefully designed to stimulate imagination, encourage decision-making, and celebrate individual creativity.

OMA culminates in gallery exhibitions where artists can showcase their work to family, friends, and the community. This visibility helps challenge public perceptions about the capabilities of individuals living with dementia.

Through our support, OMA has been able to:

  •  Conduct 23 sessions across 3 senior communities in the greater Lynchburg area
  •  Engage 5-10 senior adults per session
  •  Maintain a 1:1 ratio of participants to trained volunteers
  •  Fund essential program elements including art supplies, specialized training, and staffing
  • Fund art shows within the community and at the Academy Center of the Arts Lynchburg

Program Statistics

OMA Sessions at Runk & Pratt

Our Pearls of Life community benefitted greatly from the OMA program in 2024:

  •  Total Participants: 55
  •  Total Events: 6
  •  Total Event Hours: over 40
  •  Senior Participants: 20
  • Artists/Instructors Involved: 15
  •  Volunteers Engaged: 20

OMA Sessions at Other Senior Communities

We are proud to sponsor the OMA program for seniors outside of Runk & Pratt:

  •  Total Participants: 150
  •  Total Events: 17
  •  Total Event Hours: 34
  •  Artists/Instructors Involved: 14
  •  Volunteers Engaged: 86

QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS

“Shake’n Bake with the glitter. The art tells you where to go!”

“I’m not much of an artist, but I had fun!”

“I remember I saw him on the elevator!”

Program Engagement

  •  85% reported feeling happy
  • 100% found instructors “Very Much” helpful
  •  95% found art-making enjoyable
  •  85% felt engaged in the activity
  •  90% expressed interest in participating again

Become a Volunteer

Take your passion for at and make an impact in the lives of seniors and their families! Join the OMA program as a volunteer for just one session or for the entire year. In 2024 volunteers attended one of four dedicated training sessions (January, June, August).

To sign up or learn more contact Academy Center of the Arts Lynchburg | (434) 528-3256 | www.academycenter.org

OMA Art Shows

The beauty of the OMA program culminates at art shows where seniors can proudly display their artwork with friends and family in attendance. Art directors and volunteers also attend to truly make it a community driven experience. Shows are held at individual communities, with a final show where all communities come together for the year at the Academy Center of the Arts Lynchburg.

Academy Center of the Arts | 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 | (434) 528-3256 | www.academycenter.org