If you’ve ever been emotionally moved by a painting, song, or poem, you understand the power of art to inspire and brighten our lives.

As certified art therapist Dona Duncan has seen first-hand, art also has the power to help people experiencing a range of symptoms from PTSD and depression to anxiety and dementia.

This fall, Duncan is embarking on the second year of the ARTZ in the Studio program. It is one of two classes at PAFA offered in partnership with ARTZ Philadelphia, which provides cultural and creative outlets for people with dementia and their caregivers.

"There’s finally an understanding that there are options beyond having the psych ward coming in and medicating somebody and anesthetizing their feelings. As horrible as that sounds, it’s something I’ve seen. But you look in their eyes and you can see there’s someone in there – there’s a life in there."

ARTZ in the Studio is an art-making class where people living with memory loss are encouraged to express themselves through painting and drawing. Caregivers may accompany their students free of charge.

ARTZ at PAFA is a free series of conversations designed for visitors with dementia and their caregivers. Discussions are facilitated in the PAFA museum galleries by Susan Schifrin, founding director of ARTZ Philadelphia.

“As recently as 15 years ago, art therapy was looked upon as some kind of crazy, magical thinking,” Duncan said. “We create a place where people come in with anxiety and feeling isolated, and they become more talkative, more present, more energized.”

Duncan, a PAFA alumna and president of the museum’s docents, also holds a degree in art therapy from Hahnemann Medical College. With increased recognition and acceptance of the power of art therapy, Duncan sees nothing but growth for this kind of programming.

“I imagine this cute little van someday going around and picking up people,” she said. 

Written by JoAnn Loviglio

August 18, 2015

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