Seniors achieve art goals with local creatives
At least a hundred senior citizens and “Pasakalye” group of artists converged at the DPS barangay covered court last June 9, which resulted in basic art learnings, with self and social enhancement.
This is the second art series for senior citizens spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWDO) led by Liza Bulayungan as initiated by and with wholehearted approval and support from Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Barangay Senior Citizens Associations and artists’ groups collaborated for the activity.
The younger generation of artists led by Maricar Docyogen, Briana Dulo, Nicole Joy Morales, Grace Banasan, Vincent Bay-an, Donna Lee Bayquen, Willie Teves, Frances Kate Hora Mardantes, Arnold Laconsay, Claire Jaun, Shiela May Akun, Jeizl Leigh Gargantiel, and senior artists Art Tibaldo, Roland Bay-an, Santiago Tagapong, George Lee, among others; gave basic drawing and coloring instructions to the elderly.
The free art workshop boosted the elders’ social, creative and mental health.
With free materials provided, the senior citizens who are willing to learn and relearn, create and re-create arts had a venue for self-expression and self-development; including removal of feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness.
Though some of the elderly came with dimmed eyes, bent backs, shaky hands – some debilitated by arthritis, while some were healthy; they actively participated in the activity. One of the objectives of the event, camaraderie amongst all, was achieved.
As facilitated by the “Pasakalye” group of artists, the elderly learned about oils, light and shadow, techniques in drawing and coloring.
The elderly were earlier encouraged by Mayor Magalong to engage in creative and digital arts and socialization activities.
Seeing the fruitful output of the event, CSWDO head Bulayungan wants a wider scope of the creative art activity; with more participants from the barangays, districts and city constituents.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda and Executive Benjamin Macadangdang witnessed the event and gave their messages respectively.
The two generations realized that old age will never be a hindrance to learning something new; and that even the simplest work of art created by willing hearts and hands are worthy treasures for keeping. – JGF
