What is OMA-thon?

A fun and social opportunity to experience our signature arts-based program and see for yourself the power of creative arts-in-aging — by playing the role of an “elder artist,” a “volunteer facilitator,” or an observer. If you opt to volunteer as a facilitator and get trained, you will have the option to join SJFS’s Arts & Minds Volunteer Corps, and/or to subscribe to OMA-of-the-Month Club with your loved ones. In addition, works created at OMA-thon will be included (with artist permission) in “Arts & Minds: A Showcase for Creative Aging” SJFS’s traveling art show circulating throughout CNY to showcase the accomplishments, benefits, and methods of our Arts & Minds initiative.

What is OMA? (Opening Minds Through Art)?

Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-backed intergenerational art-making program for older people, often those living with dementia. Elders (artists) are paired with volunteers (e.g., students, family members) who facilitate the creation of a piece of art. Relying on imagination, rather than memory, and strengths, instead of lost skills, OMA’s elder artists experience the joy of creative expression while engaging with others across the generations. Volunteers gain ease interacting with older people, particularly those with dementia, while enjoying the benefits of forming a close bond with an elder.

Register For OMA-thon

To attend OMA-thon as an elder artist, volunteer facilitator, or an observer fill out the registration form below and return to SJFS’s Arts & Minds Coordinator, Hannah Pietra, at pietrah@sjfs.org or call 315-446-9111 ext. 130.