California Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents show off artwork
Scenic puzzles, cake pops and colorful images filled the halls of the California Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Palm Springs on Wednesday.
Who were the artists behind all these vibrant pieces? The residents themselves.
Robert Lewis, 68, stood next to his wall of puzzles, which include scenes with lighthouses, towns and kittens. He's "always had an interest" in puzzling, he said, going back to times when he and his mother would work on one together during his youth.
In the last month he's already completed 12 puzzles, "but they're only 500 pieces," he said, as if to downplay the achievement.
The skilled nursing and rehabilitation center is showcasing residents' artwork through the end of the week for their family members to enjoy, as well as the community to marvel at their talents. Activities Director Nenette Bustamante said residents have arts and crafts classes available to them at the center, and after seeing all the projects they put together, she felt like it was necessary to showcase them.
"They're very proud to see their projects," she said, looking at the gallery wall.
Various types of art are displayed, including drawings, paintings, paper woven crafts and jewelry. Some were completed by people who recently suffered a stroke, and others from residents who are mainly bed bound due to health issues.
William Megginis, 74, has difficulty with his vision, but it doesn't stop him from painting flowers, watering pots, stars and dragonflies in all shades. It's a new hobby for him, he said, which helps him relax.
He said it takes him a mere few minutes to finish one of his works of art, which would make Vincent van Gogh or Pablo Picasso quite jealous.
Arts and crafts have also inspired many residents to mingle with each other and step outside of their comfort zones. Bustamante said one resident preferred to stay in his room and in bed all day long, but after he participated in one art session, it motivated him to attend classes more frequently and chat with his fellow residents.
"They're happy," Bustamante said. "They're working on something they like."
The community is invited to view the artwork from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The California Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 2299 N. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
For more information, contact Bustamante at 562-895-4062.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents show off art
