I have a Bachelors in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters in Business from National Lewis University, Chicago. I've administered a high school art department, taught art to all elementary and junior high school ages and am now conducting senior art classes.
I've come to believe after teaching hundreds of classes that something happens to our creative capacity as we get older. There can be an uninhibited outpouring of feelings and imagination on paper or canvas. I've seen paintings that have left me speechless as I stared with wonder into 90 and 100 year old faces of joy from accomplishment. The human spirit is an amazing force.
Looking Together: Join me on a virtual art tour. Memories stir past experiences and good times as each artist takes us on a journey over their canvas of people, places, and things. Watch my Zoom art appreciation series on the Coachella Valley Alzheimers web site.
Comments:
"When caregivers and cognitively impaired individuals come through the doors at Alzheimers Coachella Valley, it takes a certain amount of courage...Our job at Alzheimers Coachella Valley is to help them enjoy the here and now. We focus on the positive and Kathy Schuler helps paint a kinder face on a disease that is threatening to take their memory and the very lives that they once knew. Kathy treats them with respect...She helps them see that they have talent, creativity and helps them maintain their dignity. They look at the beautiful art that they have created with joy and pride. They are laughing, smiling and most of all engaged in fun social activity. I have personally watched Kathy engage our attendees and help them enjoy something that they may have never thought was possible for them to achieve...I am grateful that Kathy has graced our organization with her talent, love and commitment... "
Dominick A Calvano, President, Board of Directors, Alzheimers Coachella Valley Palm Desert CA
“Kathy, Thank you for empowering our residents through Art! You have allowed them to tap into potential they never knew they had through your creative teaching style. Our veteran artists as well as our new artists are eager to continue learning and honing in on their art skills. Once again, thank you for inspiring our Residents.”
Bella Villaggio, Palm Desert CA
"Thank you so much for the presentation today! Everyone loved it and we all learned a lot. I believe that it really expanded conceptual horizons in terms of volunteering tools, and the actual capability of the aged and cognitively compromised. Our volunteers left with a very tangible skill set related to assisting patients in creating their own simple, yet beautiful watercolors. The emphasis was so positively focused on the potential for a sense of accomplishment and joy stimulated by creative expression, for those with diminishing internal and external environments towards the end of life."
Nancy Ferguson, Reliance Hospice, Palm Desert, CA
“…We are lucky enough to have the very gifted art teacher Kathy Schuler pay our residents a visit to guide them through the world of art appreciation and creation...The use of color and differing mediums gives them a chance to reveal the emotions and feelings that they carry inside of themselves. The resulting artwork that the residents have produced is often quite evocative and beautiful.”
--Sunrise Northgate Senior Living, Seattle, WA
“…Each resident creates an art work...and receives guidance to create a picture or project that stimulates their thinking. The teaching technique results in a release of an emotion or memory of a person, place or time...Kathy stated the focus of her teaching is on the process versus the end product but these drawings by residents are enchantingly beautiful .“
--Life Care Center of Kirkland, Kirkland, WA
The testimonials displayed on this site have appeared in publications or were submitted directly to me. They are shortened so that the whole message is not displayed. The individuals featured on the Classes for Elders page gaven their permission to be featured.
I've come to believe after teaching hundreds of classes that something happens to our creative capacity as we get older. There can be an uninhibited outpouring of feelings and imagination on paper or canvas. I've seen paintings that have left me speechless as I stared with wonder into 90 and 100 year old faces of joy from accomplishment. The human spirit is an amazing force.
Looking Together: Join me on a virtual art tour. Memories stir past experiences and good times as each artist takes us on a journey over their canvas of people, places, and things. Watch my Zoom art appreciation series on the Coachella Valley Alzheimers web site.
Comments:
"When caregivers and cognitively impaired individuals come through the doors at Alzheimers Coachella Valley, it takes a certain amount of courage...Our job at Alzheimers Coachella Valley is to help them enjoy the here and now. We focus on the positive and Kathy Schuler helps paint a kinder face on a disease that is threatening to take their memory and the very lives that they once knew. Kathy treats them with respect...She helps them see that they have talent, creativity and helps them maintain their dignity. They look at the beautiful art that they have created with joy and pride. They are laughing, smiling and most of all engaged in fun social activity. I have personally watched Kathy engage our attendees and help them enjoy something that they may have never thought was possible for them to achieve...I am grateful that Kathy has graced our organization with her talent, love and commitment... "
Dominick A Calvano, President, Board of Directors, Alzheimers Coachella Valley Palm Desert CA
“Kathy, Thank you for empowering our residents through Art! You have allowed them to tap into potential they never knew they had through your creative teaching style. Our veteran artists as well as our new artists are eager to continue learning and honing in on their art skills. Once again, thank you for inspiring our Residents.”
Bella Villaggio, Palm Desert CA
"Thank you so much for the presentation today! Everyone loved it and we all learned a lot. I believe that it really expanded conceptual horizons in terms of volunteering tools, and the actual capability of the aged and cognitively compromised. Our volunteers left with a very tangible skill set related to assisting patients in creating their own simple, yet beautiful watercolors. The emphasis was so positively focused on the potential for a sense of accomplishment and joy stimulated by creative expression, for those with diminishing internal and external environments towards the end of life."
Nancy Ferguson, Reliance Hospice, Palm Desert, CA
“…We are lucky enough to have the very gifted art teacher Kathy Schuler pay our residents a visit to guide them through the world of art appreciation and creation...The use of color and differing mediums gives them a chance to reveal the emotions and feelings that they carry inside of themselves. The resulting artwork that the residents have produced is often quite evocative and beautiful.”
--Sunrise Northgate Senior Living, Seattle, WA
“…Each resident creates an art work...and receives guidance to create a picture or project that stimulates their thinking. The teaching technique results in a release of an emotion or memory of a person, place or time...Kathy stated the focus of her teaching is on the process versus the end product but these drawings by residents are enchantingly beautiful .“
--Life Care Center of Kirkland, Kirkland, WA
The testimonials displayed on this site have appeared in publications or were submitted directly to me. They are shortened so that the whole message is not displayed. The individuals featured on the Classes for Elders page gaven their permission to be featured.