As she entered the Trinity Living Center sunroom for a music and movement class, one participant looked a little sleepy and less than engaged. By the end of the class, she was smiling and animated, her head no longer nodding in drowsiness.
The dramatic change in her energy level was thanks to a music and movement class led by Gail Poulton and assisted by Nikki Propst.
The session started with light stretching and breathing exercises. Later, participants chose rhythm instruments, from bells to maracas to drums. Poulton invited each participant to “make a little rhythm,” with the whole group following along. Later, the group played their instruments to music, including “When You’re Smiling (the Whole World Smiles with You).”
“You’ve got to smile with it!” said Peggy, as she shook her bells.
By the end of the session, everyone in the room was noticeably more upbeat. Poulton asked participants to hold a talking stick and share some happy thoughts.
“I’m grateful for life itself with its ups and downs,” said Joe.
“I really appreciate my life and the people I know,” Tom said.
“I really enjoyed this,” Ruth said. “I thank you all.”
Over the past three years, Trinity Living Center participants have been exposed to various forms of art through a program called Art for the Soul. Initiated by Barbara Garwood, the center’s former executive director, Art for the Soul has recruited professional artists to explore art with participants. The series was made possible by grants from the Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare.
The first class was led by photographer Sean Meyers back in 2011. Other classes followed, including pottery, storytelling, painting, and handbell-ringing.
Classes are taught in a “failure-free” environment, with a focus on process — and having fun. Participants get a sense of empowerment and well-being from the communal art experiences. “Everybody loved it,” said TLC executive director Christina Joyce of Poulton’s class.
Although the music and movement class was the last grant-funded Art for the Soul experience, Trinity Living Center staff members will continue to use what they have learned to bring life-enhancing art experiences to residents.

Katie Scarvey is a communications specialist for Lutheran Services Carolinas. Trinity Living Center provides adult day services. For more information, call 704-637-3940.