Unleash the Artist Within: Empowering Seniors Through Creative Expression
Unleash Through Art is dedicated to empowering the geriatric population to overcome limitations related to fine motor skills through engaging creative expression.
Our ultimate vision is to cultivate a community where seniors proudly embrace their creative capabilities, inspiring themselves and others to believe that anything is possible.
About Me
My name is Isha Kotha
Hi! My name is Isha Kotha.
My passion for this cause began in childhood, when I joined my mom at work and spent time with the geriatric population she treated. As I gained familiarity with them, their problems felt more personal to me.
This idea became even more of a passion to me when the seniors themselves conveyed to me that they believed making "good" art was impossible. This resonated with me, as I recalled feeling the same way when I first began my art journey. These two ideas ignited my commitment to address this problem: to show the seniors that they can still do anything and find immense joy in creative expression.
My ultimate vision for how my work will change things is to show the geriatric population that they can still partake in all activities, even though they do not believe they can achieve it themselves.
My Research - Understanding Fine Motor Skill Decline in Geriatric Community
As we age, our fine motor skills (the precise movements of our upper extremities) naturally degrade, impacting daily tasks like writing or dressing. This decline is due to factors such as muscle weakness and loss, joint stiffness and lowered hand strength. Additionally, changes in the nervous system lead to slower movements, reduced dexterity, and coordination challenges, making detailed actions difficult.
My research focuses on understanding how to slow the decline of motor skills and enhance the lives of senior citizens, through learning the relation
geriatric cognition and fine motor skills, from literature studies and experiments.
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Pioneering "The Art of Adaptation" Manual for Senior Citizens
I authored a comprehensive manual titled 'The Art of Adaptation,' which provides practical strategies and techniques for senior citizens to work around challenges with fine motor skills, enabling them to create any piece of art they envision. This resource is designed to empower seniors and their caregivers with adaptable methods for artistic expression. Moreover, it aids others in creating their own art classes to empower seniors to continue their hobbies.
Leadership and Awards
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Award
Second Place Recipient of the prestigious NCTE National Writing Award, acknowledging exceptional skill and passion in written expression.
Ferguson Library Writing Awards
Multiple recipient of the Ferguson Library Writing Awards, including two 1st Place honors and an Honorable Mention, showcasing consistent excellence in creative writing.
Boston College Book Award
Honored with the Boston College Book Award for outstanding performance in academics, leadership, and volunteer experience
Mayor's Youth Leadership Council
As a leader in the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, I dedicated myself to shaping school policies, working to create a more inclusive environment for all students.
How Teens Can Help?
Volunteer
Assist in organizing and facilitating art projects with seniors, directly helping them with fine motor skill retention.
Spread Awareness
Help spread awareness among your peers and family about the importance of caring for aging individuals and promoting healthy aging within your own community. This can be done through various methods. Such as, social media, through mouth, flyers, blogs, etc.
Partner With Us
For schools, clubs, or organizations interested in collaborating, please contact us.
My Gallery
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're a senior interested in our programs, a teen looking to volunteer, or an organization wanting to collaborate, reach out!