Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an internationally recognized arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. It invites volunteers to pair up with these persons (the artists) and guide them through a process of creating various abstract art projects. Some of the goals of OMA include: learning about abstract artists and creating abstract art, building positive rapport between the volunteer and the artist, and offering time to engage in the creative process with autonomy and fun. Come for the Joy! All levels of artistic ability are welcomed. An art show of the work created will be open to the public from 10:30-12:00noon on July 1st at the VPAS offices, 325 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro.
Dates: Wednesdays on May 13 and 27 and June 10 and 24, 2026
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: VPAS, 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro VA 22980
This is a four part series. Participants should register below or call 540.471.5633 for more information.
*Immediate Need: Volunteers are needed for this series of workshops. Volunteers are fully guided by the OMA facilitator throughout each art project, and all levels of artistic ability are welcomed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have an interest in art, and be comfortable working with older adults living with dementia or other cognitive concerns. Volunteers must be able to commit to all four of the May-June sessions. Once a volunteer is trained, they may be chosen for future OMA sessions without more training. The number of volunteers needed for each session is dependent on how many artists are signed up. The training is on May 12, 2026 from 10:30-12:00noon. Click Here to sign up as a Volunteer.