Painting Smiles

by Arsh Pal

Hi! My name is Arsh Pal. I am 11 years old and I love to paint and do artwork. I can never forget the priceless treasure - 'hugs and smiles' that I get from the residents at the nursing home. My mom, Divya Pal, works at the Stonehill Communities nursing home in Dubuque, IA. She used to take me to her workplace during spring and summer break. During those visits, I noticed that the residents were actively participating in several recreational activities like art and crafts, games, trivia, etc. It made me realize what it meant to Seniors when they get to see and talk to a kid. It was their true, selfless love, that inspired me to use my skills and I had started giving painting lessons in the nursing home, with the help and support of the activity department at Stonehill.

My whole family volunteers and helps me to set up for the Art activity. I usually choose a painting that can be easily painted by each resident. Some of them reminisced about their hobbies or profession as an artist. Some residents just came to watch the session, as they were never artistic. But when they saw others painting they also ended up participating in creating beautiful artwork.

I have been enjoying this for the past four years now. Unfortunately, Last year Covid had put a pause on this activity however I was able to resume it with the help of the activity department. I sometimes take my paintings for display and some of them bought the paintings to help support my cause to raise funds for charities. This provides them the opportunity for shopping as well, as they have limited access to visit art galleries or shops. Their own artwork brightens their day and room with a big sense of satisfaction. It makes me feel happy and makes me feel worth using my skills for a beautiful cause. The lesson here is that you can make somebody smile by using kindness and skill.