JUNE 4 • 2020 | 31
ficial to my music and my art,
”
he said. “I learned about mix-
ing colors…and the different
processes of layering paint in a
positive, fun atmosphere.
”
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
In addition to providing numer-
ous creative opportunities, the
program utilizes certified thera-
pists who help coordinate mem-
bers’
chosen activities with their
individual treatment goals. This
includes art and music therapy
and a drum circle that helps
members focus on feelings and
personal identity within a sup-
portive group setting.
A family culinary arts ther-
apy program brings members
together with family and friends
for a joint meal planning and
cooking session that includes
opportunities for socialization
and problem solving.
“This is not just a ‘
feel good’
program,
” Adelman said.
“When we’
re engaging with
people with persistent mental
illness, we need to know we’
re
doing good work.
”
FLOURISHING TALENT
For Michael, whose musical
talents include singing, guitar
playing and piano, the music
enrichment classes are a natural
choice.
“It’
s great. I get to sing, dance,
move to the music, interact with
the other clients, perform before
groups and work with DSO
musicians,
” he said.
Michael, who majored in
journalism at Michigan State
University and considers him-
self “a bit of a wordsmith,
” also
enjoyed the creative writing
workshops. He recalls a writing
assignment where members
were asked to imagine they
were super heroes.
“My super powers would be
empathy, peace, love and under-
standing,
” he said.
Michael had fun staging
a King Kong-style scene in
the photography class and
enjoyed painting a fountain at
Cranbrook Gardens in the plein
air course last summer.
Miriam, who began playing
the violin in third grade, is
another regular member of the
music program. In addition to
learning from DSO musicians,
she worked with a music thera-
pist to choose themes and songs
that optimized her talents and
musical preferences. She was
thrilled to perform in front of
friends and family members at
Orchestra Hall in the recital that
culminates each session.
“It’
s therapeutic to both
learn and become more con-
fident with my playing,
” said
Miriam, who likes Jewish music
and wants to learn how to
play “Canon in D” by Johann
Pachelbel.
CREATIVITY GOES VIRTUAL
When the pandemic hit,
Kadima staff worked quickly to
adapt programming so mem-
bers can participate from the
safety of their homes. The DSO
music enrichment classes are
taking place over Zoom. New
additions include a songwrit-
ing class and a special session
for members who are new to
the music program. A virtual
photography class with CCS
instructor Gabby Baginski is
under way.
Nowak is leading a creative
writing class where each mem-
ber begins a story and passes it
along until each member has
written an installment.
“It’
s been keeping them active
and very creative, too,
” said
Nowak, who is distributing
tablets to members who don’
t
have computers at home. “It’
s
important that everyone stay
connected.
”
Art therapist Shazia Siddiqi
from “Let’
s Art About It” in
Clawson is providing weekly
individual sessions online.
In addition, Nowak has
designed creativity kits that
include a variety of adult col-
oring books and sketchbooks,
acrylic and watercolor painting
supplies, clay, knitting and
crochet kits, hat and scarf
looms, embroidery kits, origa-
mi, beading kits, and collage
materials. All of the kits come
with instructions and links to
YouTube videos.
While the venues have
changed, the artists are as pro-
lific as ever. During the past
several weeks, Joel has written
the story for his graphic novel
and drawn 100 new pages.
The Creative Expressions
program is funded by grants
from the Community
Foundation for Southeast
Michigan and the D. Dan and
Betty Kahn Foundation, in
addition to private donations.
An art exhibition is now online,
in lieu of the canceled June
fundraising benefit at Rustbelt
Market in Ferndale. People
can see members’
art by visit-
ingkadimacenter.org/events/
frame-of-mind. The Creative
Expressions Program will be
showcased again at Kadima’
s
annual Community Awards
Night, scheduled for Oct. 8, at
the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
For Adelman, the payoff is
seeing members blossom as a
result of their participation in
the arts program.
“Seeing people who otherwise
tend to be withdrawn realize
they can do things they couldn’
t
do before … It translates to the
rest of their lives,
” Adelman.
said “These are the steps that
lead to recovery, happiness and
a positive self-image.
”
TOP: Kadima artists Madison Dunbar (sitting) and Brittany Strickland work col-
laboratively on a mural painting. BOTTOM: DSO musician Jeremy Crosmer joins
Kadima’
s Miriam Weiner at a performance.