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When Winston Churchill was asked to cut the Art Funds program in favor of the war effort, he replied, “So what are we fighting for?” There are a number of creative arts activities here at Solana, ranging from traditional painting to quilting to needle arts to crafts. These are sometimes taught by an outside person contracted by management, sometimes by other residents as volunteers, sometimes by the activities director, and sometimes are a recurring private event for a group of likeminded residents. There are also open art studios, where residents are self directed and bring their own materials and images and support and encourage each other. Kris Rosenblum, who currently teaches the Acrylic Arts class here at Solana, would agree with Churchill regarding the value of art for the average person. She has been involved in the art world and classes in creative therapy for about six years, and her first classes were here when Solana was called Avenida. Art, to her as it was to Churchill, is more than a casual pastime; it is an exercise in creativity and mental therapy and is part of a person’s life expression. Visiting her class is a real treat: Each student is encouraged by Kris to “do their thing,” and the result is a unique viewpoint on every canvas. Doing art is almost an exercise in meditation. As you mosey through her classroom you will hear her going from one person to another. “Oooh, I like that!” What a fun classroom directed by a thoughtful, purposeful leader. To quote Kris: “I offer hands-on classes in watercolor and acrylic painting and drawing, helping individuals reconnect with their creativity and build confidence. My mobile program brings these experiences directly to assisted living communities, homebound individuals, and those with limited access to artistic opportunities. Through art, music, movement, and storytelling, I provide a safe space for healing, self -expression, and renewed purpose. Kris hopes in the future to be able to provide a place where people “can explore, create, and thrive in an uplifting environment.” I went from Kris’s classroom to visit Heather Hall, our Lifestyle Coordinator here at Solana. She indicated that in the near future, there will be more emphasis on art and the art room. Here are current plans for the immediate future of the Creative Arts at Solana: 1. On March 6th a group of volunteers and Heather will be busy cleaning up and organizing the art room, making it a welcome place for classes and those wanting to use it for individual art projects. 2. Heather will be starting a New Craft class. We will be getting information on this soon. 3. Heather and Kris will be meeting after the tax season to plan classes in Drawing and Watercolor for those interested. Whoopie!!!! “Painting is complete as a distraction. I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body more entirely absorbs the mind.” ― Winston S. Churchill, Painting As a Pastime