Dragonfly Community Arts has teamed up with Art Bias to offer free, monthly art classes for seniors at three residential HIP Housing locations in San Mateo, Calif. Once a month, a new Art Bias artist visits all three HIP Housing facilities to teach the seniors a wide variety of mediums.

The senior residents have experimented with Chinese brush painting with artist Sophie Zhu, drew pastel flowers with instruction from Deborah Shea, created glass mosaics with Amber Smith, and learned how to create ikebana floral displays with Yoko Tahara.

“Through my experience at the HIP residences, I found that art can bring people closer together and help them better understand each other regardless of their age and background,” said Tahara. “They enjoyed creating beautiful displays with flowers as art, something that was completely new to them, and discussing among themselves about their arrangements. Afterwards, a few residents even visited my art studio when a friend gave them a ride. Another resident called me later to discuss Ikebana more."

Suyin Nichols, resident services coordinator at HIP Housing’s senior properties, has seen the impact the classes have had on residents.

“After the pandemic, residents were slow to participate in activities again, but the Art Bias instructor series is changing that. The art classes have attracted ‘regulars,’ and they have been encouraging their neighbors to join in. Besides having a place to express their creativity, the residents can socialize with one another for a couple of hours, which is great for their health and well-being. “

Terra Fuller, executive director of Art Bias, said the art classes are beneficial for everyone, including the artists.

“Artists care deeply about the community and are thrilled to brighten the day of the seniors and contribute to their wellbeing in whatever way they can,” said Fuller. “I have a line of artists signed up who want to teach their artforms to seniors at HIP Housing. The artists get a lot out of the experience, too, not just the seniors. It’s a win-win for everyone”