April 21, 2025
The late artist and TV personality Bob Ross once said, “There's an artist hidden at the bottom of every single one of us.”
Creative expression is essential to healthy aging. Immanuel’s retirement living and senior care communities in Nebraska and Iowa participated in enriching arts programming this year. The classes were offered through a collaboration with WhyArts, a local nonprofit dedicated to inclusive, hands-on arts experiences.
From independent living to long-term care and skilled nursing, residents across Immanuel explored painting, drawing, and more. Thanks to on-site instruction from WhyArts’ professional teaching artists, they were able to do so right in their own communities.
Creativity in action at Immanuel Communities
At Lakeside in West Omaha, the art room recently came to life with color, laughter, and connection. In a comfortable group of about 10 residents, WhyArts teaching artist Patricia Stastny guided participants through a watercolor and portraiture class using simple yet effective techniques — like sprinkling salt on wet paint to create texture and bursts of color.
“Their portraits are turning out amazing! And what is interesting to me is that some of the residents claim not to be artists, and that is not true,” said Patricia. “They are learning that talent isn’t confined by age.”
Longtime Lakeside resident Jim Sanders, a former biomedical instrumentation expert and lifelong photographer, was deeply engaged in the class. While working on a pencil-drawn portrait of a young man provided by Patricia, he reflected on how art connects to his life experiences.
“You can always learn something,” Jim said. “You never get to the age when you know everything. Art helps us see things in a different light.”
Jim’s history is as remarkable as his work — one of his photographs was once presented to the Pope and now resides at the Vatican. Another was given to former Nebraska Governor Charles Thone. Though he never took formal classes in photography or sculpture, his work is proudly displayed in Lakeside’s art room.
“It’s like motivation struck me,” he said.
Moments of joy shared by Immanuel residents
At Newport House, an Immanuel long-term care and skilled nursing community in Omaha, WhyArts instructor Fern Bailey recently led a class where residents painted a peaceful mountain landscape in watercolor. Music from Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys played softly in the background as residents asked questions and encouraged one another.
“You’ll get the hang of it, I promise,” Fern told one resident early in the class. Her calm guidance created a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could express themselves at their own pace.
Resident Janet Jones carefully applied her favorite color — purple — to the page. Janet, a regular in the community’s ceramics program, said her WhyArts paintings go home with her family members.
“I get impatient when it’s not coming together,” she joked. When she wondered if she’d made too many pencil lines in her sketch, Fern gently responded, “That’s okay. You’ll have an extra mountain. There are no strict guidelines.”
Newport House Recreational Therapist Katy Zumm said consistent creative programming is especially meaningful in long-term care.
“It’s something that is independent and unique,” she said. “We can gear it to the functioning level the residents are on. They don’t have to have a perfect picture at the end.”
Art access for every Immanuel community
WhyArts’ Older Adults Program is designed to boost socialization, stimulate emotional health, and inspire imagination through the arts. Every Immanuel location was matched with a dedicated WhyArts instructor who brought supplies and creative energy to the residents.
“Our goal is to create a community of shared experiences through art, whether through mediums like painting, drawing, or journaling,” said WhyArts Executive Director Mary Gibilisco. “Everyone we are working with is looking for personal growth. When you create a piece of artwork, it creates a sense of accomplishment.”
Mary added, “We try to give voice to program participants. We understand the needs of older adults. That’s why we come to them. We want them to be comfortable in their own spaces and try to eliminate barriers to their successes.”
As classes continue across Immanuel’s communities, residents can showcase their work to their families, friends, and neighbors — another reminder that at any age, it’s never too late to create something beautiful.
Click here to learn more about other life enrichment opportunities at Immanuel.
