Inspired by his late grandfather’s time as a resident at The Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s in Toco Hills, high school student Judson DiVenere, 17, has created a program to engage creatively with classmates and elders.
DiVenere, a senior at Marist School in Brookhaven, held the third “Chat and Paint” event at Fountainview on Saturday, Feb. 8 for an afternoon of painting butterfly-themed ceiling tiles with five fellow students, 12 residents, and four nurses.
The program is designed to bring attention to mental health. When DiVenere learned that engagement in different artistic mediums can reduce feelings of depression and isolation in both teens and older people, an idea was born.
The teenagers meet new companions and use their creativity to connect with residents and raise their spirits. They also earn community service hours required for graduation.
“I try to bridge gaps,” DiVenere said. “My biggest passion is people. I like talking to strangers in a coffee shop or out on a walk. I like meeting people of different backgrounds and ages.”
At a prior event, DiVenere bonded with a resident named Lafayette. When the former architect and hurdle runner realized how much he had in common with the teenager, the conversations just flowed. His eyes lit up, DiVenere noted.
Neuroaesthetics is the science behind how the brain is affected by art, music, literature and more. Although the field of research is rapidly expanding, DiVenere said he’s seen neuroaesthetics in action with a resident-turned-friend named Mary, a former artist.
The pair were painting at a prior event and DiVenere turned to Mary and said, “I don’t even know what I just painted.” Mary’s response: “Good!”
“I thought that was a fantastic way of expressing art. It doesn’t have to be something. Mary can paint a Hawaiian flower that looks like a photo, and I can barely put colors on a canvas,” DiVenere said. “The message was that everyone can be an artist. It doesn’t matter what you paint.”
The same flexibility Mary’s wise answer offered is present in DiVenere’s positive attitude. DiVenere first proposed “Chat and Paint” for his Eagle Scout project. He belongs to Our Lady of Assumption Boy Scout Troop 21 and is a parishioner at the church.
Unfortunately it failed to meet the troop’s criteria, but as a triathlete, track, and cross country runner, DiVenere said he is accustomed to challenges.
“You won’t get better watching other people running a race, you have to get out there and run it yourself,” he said.
