Every session is designed to be mentally engaging, tactile, and provide low-pressure creative fun — more than just a way to pass the time.
Many activities can be adjusted to accommodate limited hand mobility or visual impairment.
Lightly structured, focused activities help seniors relax and enjoy companionship without pressure to "fill the time."
We offer projects for all experience levels, from total beginners to experienced artists who just need a creative friend for motivation.
Research shows creative activities can improve mood, reduce isolation, and lead to better cognitive function in seniors.
Art Friends provides in-home creative sessions for seniors living in Mint Hill, NC and surrounding communities within approximately 10 miles.
Here's how it works:
Once a session is scheduled, we do a brief consultation to learn about you or your loved one’s interests, physical considerations, and creative experience. That helps guide the types of art projects and creative sessions we plan.
Every session includes all art materials, setup and cleanup — you don't need to own a single paintbrush. Sessions run approximately two hours and are paced around energy and comfort levels. At the end of each visit, your loved one keeps the art they created. Sessions can be scheduled as a one-time gift or on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.
An Art Friends session is a great fit for seniors who enjoy art and creative activities or are curious about trying something new — no artistic experience required.
Sessions work best for seniors who can sit comfortably for up to two hours, handle lightweight art materials, and have a clear workspace where two people can sit and work together, such as a kitchen table. Access to a sink with running water is helpful for cleanup.
If you or your loved one has limited hand mobility, low vision, or tires easily, please mention it during the consultation. Many of our activities can be adapted, and we'll always plan sessions around what works for our clients.
Most of our activities require no drawing ability or artistic background. Neurographic-inspired art, watercolor techniques, and simple abstract pattern work are designed to look impressive regardless of experience level. Sessions are built around enjoyment and engagement, focusing on simple shapes and movement. There is no “right” result to aim for. Each piece is unique and guided by the participant’s own choices.
For seniors who genuinely have no interest in making art, we offer creative alternatives: guided coloring with fun special effects techniques, unique card games, and tactile puzzle activities that are mentally engaging and social without requiring anyone to pick up a paintbrush or pen.
If you're not sure whether what type of session is right for you or your family member, schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll suggest activities based on their personality and interests.
Art Friends sessions are led by experienced artists with a passion for teaching, creative coaching, and spending time with older adults. We are not art therapists and Art Friends is not a clinical or licensed therapeutic service.
That said, research shows that creative activity offers many benefits for seniors, including improved mood, reduced isolation, and better cognitive engagement. Sometimes you just need a creative friend for companionship and motivation.
If you're looking for a licensed art therapy program, the American Art Therapy Association maintains a directory of credentialed professionals at arttherapy.org.
For safety and peace of mind, all Art Friends session leaders are background checked through ShieldHub.
Sessions are fully personalized and include everything needed for a beautiful two-hour creative experience, delivered right to their door.
Gift certificates are available for any session or package. Custom art gift baskets are also available to add to any session. Contact us to arrange one.
