Julie Leonovs Arts
Therapeutic creativity in action
Examples by clients
Butterfly Collage - Group Activity
To create a butterfly using mixed media techniques. A fun, interactive activity offering free expression of thought and creative flair.
Aim = Socialising, group interaction involved in a joint task, cooperation, mindfulness and fun!
Local Coast Sensory Picture - Group Activity
The idea was for me to create a local coastal scene in paint and then my elderly residents could all participate in decorating this collage. Sensory items were added such as cotton wool for the clouds, real sea shells and sand, jewellery for the treasure chest and stickers for the marine life etc. An aesthetic picture to hang on the wall and generate touch sensations.
Aim = to create group interaction, recall fond memories of the coast, hand dexterity, mindfulness, relaxation, a sense of travel etc.
Finished Coastal Scene: Click on this link
Tree of Plenty - Group Activity
A tree of abundance and joy! Like the coastal scene this artwork started off as a plain tree created by myself and then the residents had free creative choice to decorate this. They chose to create a fairy tree full of animals, flowers and jewels. A fairy door opened at the base of the tree trunk, offering an element of surprise.
Aim = Increase free flowing thought, group interaction. Fun, colourful and appealing to their fantasy ideas.
​
Individual Sun Catchers - Individual Activity
Once again these small designs started off as blank drawings on perspex created by myself, ready to colour in with glass paints. My students chose their design and worked on colouring them in individually.
Aim = The idea was to give my students something they could enjoy and hang in their own room. They enjoyed doing them and had a goal to work towards seeing their finished product. They had fun choosing their colours and colouring them in. It involved quite a bit of mindfulness focus, hand dexterity and concentration, which as you can see...they achieved beautifully!
Personal Hand Decoration - Individual Activity
My residents were assisted in drawing around their own hand, after which they could adorn how they chose. Many chose to draw and add rings, bracelets, watches, fake fur, jewels and flowers etc. They enjoyed this activity as it enabled them to 'dress up' and create something personal to them.
Aim = Fun, personal satisfaction, appealing to their memories and fantasies, joy of 'dressing up', hand eye coordination etc.
Angel of the North Art - Individual Activity
I photocopied a local landmark - Angel of the North here, recognisable to my residents. This art work was then adorned as they pleased. Again a fun activity and generated a talking point.
Aim = Fun, personal satisfaction, generating a talking point, creative flair etc.
Unleashing Creativity in Action
Here is a link I picked out from YouTube showing the benefits of art in action working with those living with dementia.
How art has the power to unlock and unleash creativity is quite remarkable and something I wholeheartedly believe in.
Feel free to browse this!
How Art Benefits Children
Here is a link I picked out from YouTube by Rebecca Ellison showing the benefits of art on young brain development. Highlighting development of cognitive, emotional, motor and social skills. Enhancing focus, analytical skills and problem solving abilities as well as well as enhancing brain neuroplasticity. Of course this happens with adults too! Check out the video and see the benefits of art on well-being.
​