Lisa Swanson (M.A. in Arts in Medicine, 2016) is expanding the boundaries of the field with an innovative program model in Arizona and Florida. Swanson created and directs the ArtMobile program for older adults, which she created as part of her M.A. in Arts in Medicine capstone project. The first mobile arts in medicine program that we at the Center know of, ArtMobile brings creative arts experiences to 100 older adults each week at six facilities in Casa Grande, Arizona, and Englewood, Florida.
The program has grown in the past two years to include eight different weekly classes in visual arts, pottery, movement and music. The Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens Area Aging Agency serves as a key partner for the ArtMobile project, and they recently promoted Swanson to serve as their Arts and Wellness Coordinator. Swanson continues to work with the agency to expand the ArtMobile program to other communities in the counties they service.
This past September, Swanson was chosen by the Arizona Arts Commission’s Creative Aging Art Institute to be one of ten teaching artists in Arizona. As part of the institute, Swanson will spend the next six months working and networking with others in the creative aging field.
Additionally, last August, Swanson was invited by Dr. Cynthia Standley from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix to help with their Arts in Medicine program for medical students. Standley is the director of the program and invited Lisa to assist on projects working with seniors with dementia and creative self-expressive workshops for the medical students.
The Center for Arts in Medicine is so proud of Swanson and congratulate her on her inspiring work as she continues to serve older adults and assists with informing the next generation of arts in health practitioners.
Press Release : Aug 15, 2024
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