About Artful Connections

Artful Connections is a dynamic, multi-faceted arts program taught by professional artists and designed to enrich life and promote whole-person wellness. Research shows that the arts play a vital role in supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being for older adults. By providing creative outlets, these programs foster self-expression, social connection and joy.

Across the nation, older adults are discovering the benefits of creative aging—a practice that uses artistic engagement to strengthen mental, emotional and physical wellness. With Pennsylvania home to one of the largest older adult populations in the country, high-quality creative programs are becoming an increasingly vital resource for overall health and fulfillment.

Creative aging is proven to:

• Encourage cognitive stimulation
• Improve mood and emotional resilience
• Support physical well‑being
• Reduce isolation and build social connection
• Promote purpose, curiosity, and joy

At Cornwall Manor, nurturing body, mind and spirit is central to our mission. Artful Connections expands this commitment by offering enriching experiences that meet the evolving interests of our residents.

Instructor Jude Hawkins (right) assists a resident during a collage class in 2021.

Claire de Boer

Artful Connections is guided by Claire de Boer, MS, a nationally recognized leader in arts in health. Claire is the founding director of the Arts in Health program at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine. With decades of experience, a background in human development, global education, and the arts, and her leadership role with the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH), Claire brings exceptional expertise to Cornwall Manor’s efforts to advance creative wellness and healthy longevity.

Artful Connections Offerings

Under Claire’s direction, an advisory committee of Cornwall Manor residents and team members developed a comprehensive menu of arts experiences designed for all levels of living. Offerings include:

• Music listening & music making
• Drama and storytelling
• Dance and movement
• Poetry and creative writing
• Pottery and ceramics
• Visual art making
• Art appreciation and discussion groups

These programs are delivered by trained, professional teaching artists and are adaptable for every resident—regardless of skill, experience or confidence level.

A three‑month pilot residency launched in 2022, introducing residents to hands‑on workshops, communal art projects and intergenerational music experiences. Highlights include:

• Community art projects—such as metal tooling and glass mosaics—where individual pieces come together to form a larger, collective artwork
• Opportunities like ballroom dance and guided painting classes

Resident feedback from the pilot will guide the development of a best‑practice, ongoing arts‑for‑wellness program designed uniquely for Cornwall Manor.

Residents stand with professional teaching artist Linda Billet (third from right) with a communal art piece completed in 2023. Residents crafted smaller tiles and Linda put them altogether to form a broccoli. The piece hangs at the Trailside Organic Farm to show the relation between organic produce grown at our onsite organic farm.

At the conclusion of each Artful Connections season, an Art Reception is held to display artwork completed by residents as well as professional teaching artists. The reception is complete with live music and refreshments.

Artful Connections reflects Cornwall Manor’s dedication to providing diverse, stimulating opportunities that help residents stay active, curious and engaged. The program celebrates creativity as an essential part of healthy aging—one that strengthens connection, enhances quality of life and empowers residents to explore new forms of expression at every stage of life.

At the conclusion of every season, an art exhibit is held to showcase resident’s art as well as the professional instructors art. Live music and refreshments compliment the exhibit. Save the date for November 19, 2026 beginning at 3 PM in Freeman Auditorium.