Local Artist Opens Doors to Self-Expression at Elder Service Plan

East Boston, MA, August 20, 2009—Jason Fitz-Gerald, an East Boston painter and multimedia artist, began offering art classes at the Elder Service Plan’s Lewis Mall PACE Center earlier this summer, which culminated in an art show on July 24. Everyone has enjoyed working with Jason and we’re so pleased to have him!

Jason became involved with the Elder Service Plan after asking associates for recommendations in working with the elderly in East Boston. While studying for an art education degree at Lesley University, Jason began exploring the stages of human development and became intrigued by the ultimate, ninth stage. “I think that when people get to a certain age, society seems to shut them out, put them to pasture, as if they don’t have anything else to offer. I think they have a lot to offer, and I like to share my experiences with them. I also work with the very young—both groups are always enlightening. I like to help them get away from the rote ways of living. It helps to look at things from different perspectives and not be so dependent on 1+1=2. Let’s look at things through the lens of creativity and a sense of self. There is no right and wrong in art. When you are creating, you have a chance to get outside the box.”

Jason believes in the inherent creativity that lives in all of us. “Everyone does something creative,” he suggests. “So how do we get people to see their own creativity? We point out the colors that people put together, the way they cut their hair, how they decorate their home or their room—this is all a part of creativity. We just need to put it on paper.”

While making art can be a pleasure and bring fresh perspective, there are other benefits. Jason promotes the self-discovery that comes with creative expression. “People discover a whole other side of themselves, doing things creatively. My joy is when they claim that part, and they start going off and doing their own things. My happiness is when they reclaim themselves. This reclamation filters into other parts of their lives.”

As an art educator, Jason understands that a little bit of framework can be liberating—so he instructs his students on the fundamentals of visual expression. “Before we make shapes and lines, we talk about the elements of art. The lines are what make up shapes, and shapes are what make up the ‘things’ we put on paper. Sometimes new students may be intimidated, but when they own it, they get so excited. It’s all about getting into that sandbox like we used to do when we were kids. There is no ‘no you can’t’ kind of deal, no creative police. Once I show them the simplicity of these things, they come running.”

Apparently, Jason is correct—they do come running. His class turned out to be quite popular. “What started out as a class with 10 seniors mushroomed into 30 seniors,” observed Paula Gunn, Activities Coordinator at the Lewis Mall PACE Day Health Center, who also expressed her gratitude for Jason’s commitment to the group. His services are offered on a volunteer basis.

One Elder Service Plan participant spoke for the group in saying “Jason Fitz-Gerald is one of the nicest volunteers we have ever met.” The appreciation was mutual. Jason noted: “This has been a wonderful teaching experience for me. They really took an interest in me and my art, so it was very rewarding.” Of his class of students, Jason observed, “We have some real talent right here in this room.”

Ultimately, Jason wants the creative experience to be enjoyable. “I just want them to come and have some fun. This class is not for ‘grades.’ I want them to come in and share themselves and the creativity—kick back and laugh—laugh loud and laugh hard.”

Trisha Diaz, who manages the activities program for the Elder Service Plan, is working with Jason to arrange similar programs at other Elder Service Plan sites.

To learn more about Jason and his own artwork, please visit the East Boston Artists’ Group.