2020-2021

In 2021, visual artist Keely O’Brien led our first larger scale pivot, an Arts & Health-wide mail art project. Seniors and Elders from current and active alumni Arts & Health groups were invited to participate by mailing in their responses to one of three creative prompts. Keely designed a book sharing all those responses- it’s called In Case You Miss Me, and you can explore an electronic copy here.

In Case You Miss Me Artist Statement by Keely O’Brien:
Arts & Health brings together artists with groups of seniors and Elders for collaborative art making of all kinds, from dance to storytelling to cedar bark weaving, and more. This book contains creative contributions from 2021 Arts & Health participants and Arts & Health Alumni groups, who responded to prompts via snail-mail. In an unusual year that has prevented us from gathering in person, this collection of drawings and words allows us to gather our experiences, reflections, and dreams together on the page. While compiling this book, I was continuously struck by participant’s generosity and creativity, from sharing family recipes to intimate self portraits. I hope you enjoy perusing this unique and beautiful anthology.