Although we humans are predisposed to having a positive response to beauty, there is more to it than just that.

In the presence of beauty, physical benefits have been demonstrated by the medical profession, specifically in a hospital setting, as it accrues to health and healing. By extension, a beautiful senior home likewise equates to wellness.

Thee conclusions have been affirmed in research documented in numerous publications.

Artist Emma Ingham, who is now a resident at Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care Home, has, with the support of the management, designed a mural that is based on the idea of bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the institution.

She is overseeing the painting of a landscape mural in the entrance area of the home. Its is bright, colourful and entertaining.

This, as can be imagined, is a team effort. Emma has teamed up with the art teachers and senior art students from Berkeley Institute who are actually doing the painting. The paint, brushes and other equipment were been donated by Pembroke Paint, courtesy of David Swift. Niall Wollf of Woolfworks Ltd. is involved as a consultant.

Tenisha Dill and Ani Douglas are the two art teachers from the Berkeley Institute. The students involved are: Elias Baia, Isaiah Fraser, Keiras Haas, Quannae Lowe, Ravidu Lokubahithage, Sarai Packwood, Shayna Patterson, Masckaylin Simmons, Camille Surayya Trott-Cann and Ke’ahra van Sutton.

It is gratifying that educators and students have taken on such a community project. Its my understanding that the residents at Westmeath are likewise appreciative of this effort.