VIEW from the Inside art program inspires residents to reflect and connect

Gurwinder (Mindy) Butalia, Mary Jo Berveridge, Susanne O. and Leona Callihoo-Pearson were looking for a new way to be creative, and they didn’t have to look too far. They found a program right where they live that brought them new friends and inspiration to keep creating.  

“I never thought I could be an artist until now,” says Mindy.

Mindy, Mary Jo, Susanne and Leona are four of seven residents who participated in the VIEW from the Inside mask making program that took place at St. Teresa Place, a Covenant Care facility in Calgary, this spring. The program was introduced to the residents by Christina Wedman, recreation therapist, as an art project that would allow for creative freedom and expression. The residents each made a mask with the same objective but executed it differently.

“It was an art project that goes beyond the art,” says Christina. “Residents had the opportunity to reflect on their identity, express themselves and create freely.”  

The program's main objective was to use mask making to help participants reflect on how they see themselves and the things they keep private as well as how others see them. The program was developed by Calgary-based WP Puppet Theatre and introduced to Christina by the Centre of Excellence for Therapeutic Recreation.  

“I thought it would be a good fit with a smaller group of residents who could explore deeper meanings of self-expression through colours, symbols and choice making,” says Christina.

Christina and the participants met once a week for six weeks between mid-April and late May. Christina began each session by introducing the topic for the day, like “What weather do you feel like today?” or “What colour matches your personality?” to start a discussion amongst the participants. They then talked about what to focus on for the day. If the participants were focusing on the outside of the mask, they looked at how they think people see them, like their personality or physical features. For the inside of the mask, the residents explored aspects of themselves that are private and not necessarily visible to others. After exploring the topic, the residents got to work on their masks.

A mini version of the program was also offered in which all residents at St. Teresa Place were invited to create a smaller mask. The mini version focused on engaging residents in the sensory components of making art by completing the tasks, solving problems and choosing materials and left out the deeper reflection that was done in the smaller group.

Christina showed the residents a few different kinds of techniques that they could use while making their masks, but everyone had complete creative freedom while creating their art.

“I liked the freestyle — the freedom of putting whatever on it,” says Susanne.

For Mindy, who uses a wheelchair, the program was a good chance to be an advocate for people with disabilities. She was able to show that she can be independent. “I want to tell people, look at me — I can make this.”

Mindy, Mary Jo, Susanne and Leona all enjoyed their time while participating in the VIEW program, and they would all recommend the program to other residents who want something unique to work on.  

“I liked seeing how excited everybody was from week to week,” says Mary Jo.

At the end of the six weeks, Christina hosted a mask showcase with refreshments to celebrate. Each participant displayed their mask for all the other residents to see. It was exciting to see everyone’s different work and to have the opportunity to learn more about each other on a deeper level, says Christina. Each participant also made new friends by the end of the program.

“I liked that everybody was a winner,” says Leona, “It encourages them to keep creating.”

With positive responses all around for the VIEW program, Christina and the residents are looking for new ways to have fun.

“I hope that we can have more programs like this that challenge us to go a little deeper and get to know ourselves, our wounds and the healing that’s taking place,” says Mary Jo.