So I'm able to get completely absorbed in my artwork. The world disappears when I work on a project and that relaxes me. The art he creates today allows him to slow down and take time for himself. The past several years is the first time in my life I've ever done anything for myself. He said being with people who share his interests and support him in his artwork has helped him rebuild his social skills and once again enjoy interaction with others.
Some patients complain that they have nothing to do.
There's no reason for that. The opportunites are there, but you have to reach out and claim them for yourself like all of us at this year's festival have done. The Shirley Jefferies Award is given to a VA staff member who best represents the spirit and commitment of the festival's founder, the late VA music therapist. The 1995 recipient was Jennifer Lewis, National Creative Arts music chairperson and music therapist at the Temple, Texas, VAMC for 16 years. It was a week of magic that touched each person who was a part of it.