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.