Generations United names Opening Minds through Art a "Program of Distinction"

by Margo Kissell, university news and communications

Opening Minds through Art (OMA), an intergenerational art program for people with dementia, has been designated a Program of Distinction by Generations United.

OMA was founded in 2007 at the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University. Student volunteers work with elders in long-term care facilities to create works of abstract art.

“Receiving this award means that we can better encourage others to engage and train volunteers to provide creative arts opportunities for people with dementia while addressing ageism issues at the same time,“ said Elizabeth Lokon, OMA founder and director.

Generations United is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for the well-being of children, youth and older adults and building bridges between generations. OMA is one of six programs to receive this year's designation.

“We congratulate Opening Minds through Art for earning this distinction and their dedication to intergenerational practices,” said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. “The Program of Distinction designation is the U.S. intergenerational community’s ‘seal of approval.’ "