Art therapymade forthe community
Creative art programs for seniors living with dementia, veterans living with PTSD, and students in our local schools, brought to the libraries, residences, classrooms and city programs where they already gather.
Group studio session
About Us
ArtPad is a nonprofit organization that stimulates the artistic minds of elderly people living with dementia and veterans living with PTSD, helping them express their creative skills through art programs and positive reinforcement.
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
The creative process of expressing oneself artistically can help people resolve issues, develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.
- Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Improve cognitive engagement and emotional well-being
- Foster creativity, social connection, and purpose
- Enhance overall quality of life through meaningful artistic experiences
Art programs in your neighborhood
We collaborate with grassroots organizations, coalitions and community leaders to spread the word about the benefits of art therapy and to remove the stigma around addressing mental health.
Local libraries
Open community sessions in neighborhood branches, easy to reach and free to join.
Elderly homes
On-site programs in senior residences and memory care, shaped around each group’s abilities.
City programs
Partnerships with city recreation and community services to reach underserved residents.
Why art therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that promotes healing by tapping into and revealing an individual’s deepest thoughts and feelings through the arts.
The right side of the brain is the creative side. Research associates it with daydreaming, intuition, art, rhythm and imagination. Painting, sculpting and drawing give that side of the mind a chance to work and to be heard.
Art therapy for seniors
For older adults, and especially those living with dementia or memory loss, art offers a way to communicate when words are harder to find. Sessions focus on sensory engagement, simple steps and reminiscence, so every participant can take part and feel successful.
Art therapy for veterans
Combat veterans are seeking art therapy to assist with trauma resolution, to integrate with their TBI treatment plan, and to provide coping mechanisms for PTSD symptoms.
Brain stimulation
Painting exercises boost cognitive function across many areas of the brain.
Stress relief
The calm, creative process of making art can promote happy feelings.
Better communication
Art enhances communication and social interaction, and builds confidence.
Helps with depression
Creating art stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Activities we bring to the table
Art for students, families and schools
ArtPad also brings art therapy into the classroom, providing accessible services to children, youth and families in the community.
In our self-love workshops, students talk through what they love about themselves, then turn those words into hand-lettered cards decorated with fresh flowers. The cards go home as a reminder: “I like myself. I am smart. I am kind.”
From our sessions
The people behind ArtPad
Rekha Kanhai
CEO / Founder
Kadesha Nicholas, DrPH
VP, Operations
Give the gift of creativity
Every donation helps ArtPad bring art therapy to seniors, veterans and students in underserved communities.
Donations are tax-deductible.
- Art suppliesPaint, brushes, clay, canvas and fresh flowers for every participant
- Community sessionsFree programs in libraries, senior residences and city centers
- Veterans programsCreative outlets that support coping with PTSD
- Youth workshopsSelf-love and expression workshops in local schools
