‘OMA means joy: Art and intergenerational relationships

The main room of The Knolls of Oxford isn’t always full of people, but on Tuesday afternoons around 3:30 p.m., Opening Minds through Art (OMA) brings friendships, art and a sense of community to the residents of this retirement village.

For Senior Associate Director Megan Young Brady, her OMA experience began in a classroom. In the spring semester of 2013, Brady took an Intro to Gerontology class, which is required before working through OMA with people with dementia and Alzheimer's at places such as Oxford Seniors.

No two days of work are the same for Brady. Some are very hands-on, such as the ones where she works with students on Miami’s campus to prepare them to go on-site, or when she works with the elderly herself, often needing to explain the project in a way all can understand.

Other days include working either from her office in Upham Hall or from home, answering emails, attending meetings or working on things behind the scenes. Lately, Brady has been working on making OMA take-home kits with art supplies to let the elderly members experience the joy of art from the comfort of their own home.

Miami’s Megafair is where fourth years Grace Sheridan and Ashley Sterling first heard of OMA.

“They were looking for help, and they were looking for leaders, so I signed up,” Sheridan said. “After one semester of working with OMA, you can apply to be a student leader.”

Sheridan, a senior political science major, said OMA has opened her eyes to what she wants to do in the future. She said the current websites to help the elderly are confusing and convoluted, so she wants to work with the government to make it easier for people to get the benefits they are entitled to.

“I feel passionate about it now,” Sheridan said. “I’m most close with older adults.”

Sterling, a senior kinesiology major, said she can personally see the impact that OMA has on residents at the Knolls, as well as the impact it has on her.

“I cannot imagine my college experience without OMA,” Sterling said. “It brings so much joy to my life.”

As student leaders, both Sheridan and Sterling direct projects at the Knolls. This includes setting up, cleaning the stations and explaining the day’s activities, while the newer volunteers sit with and each help an elderly person.

The elderly look forward to the day OMA visits, often peeking out of their rooms as soon as the student leaders roll in their supply carts. They gain a sense of confidence and community through OMA.

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“Every person has an artistic side, but mostly it’s hidden,” said a resident in a video produced by OMA.

Photo by Scott Kissell | The Miami Student
Miami OMA Students helping at The Knolls of Oxford.

Sheridan said she sees residents gain a sense of autonomy and pride through their work. Oftentimes, a resident will not title their work in the first few sessions, but by the end of the semester, many are standing in front of the group, explaining what their title means.

OMA also goes beyond just physical art — they begin and end every session by singing together. They will be celebrating their 20th anniversary next year.. Anyone interested in joining OMA can find them on the Hub.

“It’s really laid back and easy,” Sheridan said. “All you have to do is sign up, and then complete an online training to join the sessions.”

The community inside OMA is incredibly welcoming and kind, according to Sheridan. Given the time of day it takes place, many people cannot do it every semester. The club understands that and welcomes anyone, no matter how long they’re planning to stay.

“OMA means joy,” Brady said, “There is so much pure joy.”

hannaer@maimioh.edu