TWO elderly El Salvadoran artists are using art to connect Brimbank senior citizens with the community.
Cairnlea sisters Angela Pena, 90, and Elena Diaz, 92, have more than 180 years of artistic experience between them.
The duo have volunteered to pass on skills and teach senior migrants the art of visual self-expression at Glengala Community Centre each Wednesday.
President of the Sunshine centre’s Latino-American and Spanish Club, Cecilia Gomez-Benitez says the classes are a great way for isolated and lonely seniors to learn new skills and make new friends.
“People who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally are often able to communicate through visual means,” she said. “For seniors who are dealing with the effects of a stroke, Alzheimer’s or any other condition that causes speech difficulty, visual art provides a way to connect.
“These classes are very special for seniors because they are making people leave their home, overcome their loneliness and keep their minds active and busy.”
Ms Gomez-Benitez said the sisters, who migrated from Central America more than 20 years ago, were teaching oil, water painting, embroidery, craft and dress-making skills to more than 20 migrants each week.
“A lot of their skills come from their homeland, so for many of the Latin American and Spanish migrants this a way to connect to their home, too,” Ms Gomez-Benitez said. “Expressive art also provides a way to reminiscence and review their lives while expressing to others who they are.”
Classes are held Wednesdays, from 1-3pm at Glengala Community Centre, Glengala Road Sunshine. More details: 0425 801 945.
