Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an inspiring intergenerational art-making program dedicated to building bridges across age and cognitive barriers. Designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, OMA pairs elders with college student interns or volunteers to engage in creative, “no-fail” art activities. This unique initiative not only fosters creativity but also enhances well-being and promotes meaningful connections.
This exhibition marks the first time that the Art in the Library program at FSU Libraries is showcasing artworks in collaboration with a campus organization. As a student-centered outreach initiative, this partnership allows Art in the Library to highlight the art derived from our student body in a completely new light.
The Heart of OMA
Grounded in Martin Seligman’s well-being theory, OMA focuses on enhancing positive emotions, fostering relationships, and promoting a sense of purpose and achievement. Inspired by Senator Claude Pepper’s vision of celebrating older adults as “living treasures,” OMA adopts a person-centered approach that highlights participants’ strengths and abilities, promoting autonomy and dignity. The program emphasizes that individuals with dementia can continue to learn, grow, and create, using fine art as a vehicle for expression.
A Journey of Growth and Connection
Founded by Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon in 2007, OMA is headquartered at the Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University. The program has grown significantly over the years, with the Scripps-OMA team visiting Florida State University (FSU) in January 2024 to observe and endorse the FSU-OMA program. Their guidance and support have been instrumental to its success.
The Claude Pepper Center launched the OMA program at FSU in the Fall of 2023, under the guidance of Director Dr. Dawn Carr. This marks the first formal OMA program at a university in the Southern U.S. The Center aims to serve as a training hub for OMA in Northern Florida, expanding person-centered care with OMA as a valuable community resource.
Empowering Students and Elders Alike
Facilitator Suzanne Monroe Smith has trained over 60 student interns from various majors, including Sociology, Psychology, and Public Health. Additionally, FSU Law students from the Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic have been trained to participate as volunteers. The program provides students with essential transferable skills, including exposure to and experience in interacting with older adults with dementia, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing communication skills. Students also develop increased affection, compassion, and kinship toward people living with dementia.
Support and Impact
Support for the OMA program enables the continuation of improving the lives of people living with dementia and creating transformative experiences for student interns. Donations help sustain the program and expand its reach. To contribute, visit give.fsu.edu/OMA to donate. Donations of $50 or more will receive an art print of “Centrifugal Force.”
Explore More
To see the incredible work of OMA at FSU in action, you can view the video and photos highlighting the program below. These visual stories showcase the transformative power of art, and the meaningful connections formed between students and elders through OMA.
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