“The heart of it all is that it's designed to support not only the emotional wellness of the older generation, but the social engagement and their own creativity,” owner Jules Winson said.
About the program
Started almost 10 years ago, ArtReach is a mobile program that brings recurring clay-art therapy classes and sessions to senior communities. In these hour-long sessions, they are engaging their minds, bodies, and social skills.
According to Cafe Monet’s website, ArtReach is for:
- Independent and assisted living communities
- Memory-care settings
- Senior centers and adult day programs
- Older adults at home seeking community through creativity
The history
Winson, who said she loves working with children and the elderly, started the program after approximately 15 years of running the studio.
ArtReach provides a sense of community not only to the seniors, but also to the teachers. Over the past decade, Winson has taught countless classes and connected with dozens of seniors across the Austin area. One woman named Mary left a lasting impression.
“She was a very sassy, strong-minded older woman,” Winson said. “She had reached 102 and she knew that she was going to pass and she called me to her after one of my classes ... and she said, ‘I want you to know that your classes have brought me the most joy in the past year and a half and that you need to keep doing what you're doing because you made me so happy.’”
Looking ahead
Winson said Cafe Monet plans to expand into more senior communities in Austin and Bastrop, where the business has a second location, in 2026.
Additionally, Winson aims to work with more nonprofit organizations in the new year to bring art therapy to more people. She said she expects to fundraise to support these efforts.
Quote of note
“We're not trying to make master potters here,” Winson said. “We're trying to make sure that Austin has a safe haven to come and create and exercise their creativity with us.”
- 4477 S Lamar Blvd., Ste. 560, Austin
- www.cafemonet.org
