Family Fun Event Spotlights Special Edgemoor Program

With a simple stroke of a paint brush, the Healing Hearts program at the Edgemoor Skilled Nursing Facility in Santee has given a voice and vision to those who might otherwise have trouble communicating. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the public is invited to an “Arts and Hearts” open house event to see these life-changing paintings and have an opportunity to purchase some of the art work.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to come and see the amazing work done by these individuals,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “For some Edgemoor residents, the Healing Hearts program is simply a creative way to express themselves and do something they enjoy. For others, it’s a vital lifeline that has opened up new possibilities in their lives again and given them new methods of communicating.”

The “Arts and Hearts” event is being held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Edgemoor, 655 Park Center Dr., Santee. This outdoors event will be a fun day of art for families and a way to learn more about Healing Hearts and how to support it. Besides artistic opportunities, there will be music by the Cat•illacs, plus gifts to purchase that have been created by the Healing Hearts participants and food available.

This unique arts therapy program is led by art instructor Linda Bounds. Bounds works with residents to teach them group painting and individual techniques that bring alive their messages of love, hope, anger and joy.

“The County’s Live Well, San Diego!, a 10-year countywide initiative to build better health in the region, isn’t just about traditional health care,” said Nick Macchione, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Director. “Healing Hearts shows the broad scope of health care and how it’s not just about the physical well-being of people.  This program not only brings alive the mental and physical health of Edgemoor residents, but also touches intangible things that are hard to measure like self-worth, pride and a sense of accomplishment.”

For more information, visit www.healingheartsart.org.