OCEAN CITY – Artists-in-residence are usually located in museums, art centers, nonprofits or universities. This summer, Leah Strasser is an artist-in-residence at The Shores, a United Methodist Community for seniors in Ocean City.
“Art has many benefits – from dexterity and motor skills to emotional wellbeing,” Strasser maintains. “I have so many heartwarming stories from creating art with these wonderful residents. I’ve seen bravery in people trying something new, and dedication in the way they come back week after week to keep working on a piece.”
Strasser’s students are encouraged to choose a color and begin with no thought of a finished product. Students aren’t trying to produce a still life from objects in the room or model the work of a master artist. They are told to breathe and move their brush on the paper with each breath. They are invited to draw squiggly lines with one color then fill them in with a half dozen more colors with no thought of what the finished product will become.
The experience for many is surprising.
“It felt almost like meditation,” one woman reported. “I felt an odd contentment and fascination,” another added.
“When you put too much pressure on the physical product, you risk losing deeper benefits of the experience,” Strasser reveals. For her, the benefits can greatly improve brain health.
Strasser is a student at Lehigh University. Her major is cognitive science with a concentration in cognitive-neuroscience. She also has one minor in studio art and another in health, medicine and society.
“Brain health has always fascinated me, but I am especially grateful for the opportunity to see brain health through the lens of art,” Strasser explains. “As we learn and try new things, our brains physically change.”
Participants also experience stress reduction, socialization, problem-solving, creativity and self-expression.
“Art classes are associated with increased neuroplasticity,” Strasser continues. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. It is the foundation for memory, learning, behavior and rehabilitation.
“I see art as a vessel,” she explains. “Art is a vessel for cognitive benefits, but also community, connection, expression and imagination. Art serves as a form of communication to share perspective and explore the world through the eyes of another.”
Strasser credits two of her mentors with giving her the tools to bring art opportunities to The Shores this summer. Strasser worked in Dr. Julie Miwa’s NeuroSalon Project and describes Miwa’s “intellectual curiosity and genuine passion for interdisciplinary work” as contagious.
“I’m also deeply grateful to Dr. Almut Hupbach, who has supported me since my first semester at Lehigh University,” Strasser says. “She integrates art and psychology in her lectures and research seamlessly.”
Strasser also gives credit to her grandparents for giving her a good foundation for her life’s work.
“I’m fortunate to have strong connections with each of my grandparents. They’ve each inspired me and taught me important life lessons – from resilience in sports to creativity and compassion.”
The Shores is also on her list of positive life mentors.
“The welcoming presence of the staff and residents at The Shores has been remarkable,” she maintains. “I’ve learned so much about life from the residents at The Shores. I’m grateful for their support and inspired by their willingness to try new things.”
What does the future hold for Strasser?
“I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience, with the goal of working across both research and clinical settings,” she states. “My interest in art has never been separate from that pursuit. I hope to continue developing evidence-based art programs, both in clinical and educational settings, so that more people come to see creativity as part of cognitive health.”
– By KAREN BRUNO/Sentinel staff
