Saint Therese Arts Program Delivers Connection and Lifelong Learning

Thanks to an arts education grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, senior residents at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park are exploring their creative sides through hands-on music, music appreciation and visual arts programming from local art nonprofits, the MacPhail Center for Music and COMPAS.

The program, which was introduced a few years ago, has grown in popularity with the residents, so when initial funding ran out, several residents worked with Saint Therese to apply for a grant that would not only bring it back for another year, but expand the number and type of sessions offered.

The grant will support 74 music education sessions, ukulele lessons, and 57 visual arts sessions such as a collaborative mural residency and tapestry weaving across Saint Therese’s three Twin Cities locations.

According to Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake executive director, Christine DeLander, the arts programming helps them achieve their overarching resident care goals.

“The arts program is a great example of the person-centered care we strive for at Saint Therese,” said DeLander. “It provides meaningful engagement – seeing residents spark over the simple yet commonly shared joy of the arts.”

That joy reflects a broader connection between music and well-being. A 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 98% of adults ages 50–80 reported at least one health-related benefit from music. Nearly three-quarters said music brings them joy, while 75% said it helps them relieve stress or relax—underscoring the value of bringing meaningful musical experiences into residents’ daily lives.

“For residents participating in our music programs, it really serves as the great connector,” said DeLander. “It brings life, a sense of community, and connections that nothing else compares to. I’m seeing that we can all relate to one another so much better given the shared, common experience music and the arts provide.”

During a recent, standing room only “Unwrapping Music” workshop at Oxbow Lake, more than 60 residents participated in a workshop where they learned about the popular singer, Kenny Rogers, through an interactive presentation and a group listening session.

“What I enjoy the most about this experience is that music is a universal gatherer,” said Ginger Ayres, an Oxbow Lake resident who campaigned to expand the program there. “It warms your heart knowing everyone else is experiencing memories and learning together. We’re lucky to have such an engaging programming like this at Saint Therese.”

Ayres credits leadership at Saint Therese for not only doing a great job of listening to residents to understand the types of programming and experiences that mean the most to the community, but then finding creative ways to bring those experiences to life.

“The residents at Oxbow Lake are vocal and engaged at a level where were don’t just want to come to a meal and then go back to your room to sit,” explained Ayres. “This is a place where you do things with other people, but we’re not a group that can go out and find resources and programs that will work here – so that’s the value we see in Saint Therese leadership. They understand what desires we have for quality programming, and they go out and find a way to make it happen. We’re so appreciative of that.”