ArtSong Arts Enrichment Program

I met Amy when she came and shared with our residents at Keystone Commons ~ an Independent/Assisted Living facility, a unique experience with her art program. I’ve watched her capture the hearts and trust of our memory unit residents and encourage them to utilize their talents. It’s always amazing what they’re able to create with her gentle and nurturing directions.

One when telling them she is coming always asks, “Oh, is that the pretty lady!”

Amy is beautiful on the outside but more importantly has an incredibly beautiful soul as well. She’s quick to smile and has a warm heart filled with compassion that radiates nothing but positive energy which just endears you to her immediately. I’ve watched her as she’s encouraged some of the residents to explore their imaginations with colors and textures giving each one special attention, as if they were a member of her own family. It’s beautiful to witness her kindness as she wants each person to have wonderful experiences.

Amy’s thoughts of living a good life are simple, “Just do the right thing for people.” She says, “It keeps you young!”

ArtSong has been a fantastic partner with Gándara Center and our youth since 2011. ArtSong’s wonderful Arts Enrichment program has served as a very successful creative endeavor for children and teens in our residential group homes. They love the process of making art and enjoy a true sense of accomplishment by exhibiting their original art at our annual Youth Art Exhibit. ArtSong’s programs decreases stress and anxiety in these youth and provides an outlet for their creativity. It is incredibly gratifying for me to see how proud they are of their hard work at the exhibits every year. 

I have had the pleasure working with Amy Porchelli for the past four years in many capacities. Amy has been providing art classes to the residents at Armbrook Village, a Retirement, Assisted and Alzheimer’s Care community. Amy has been amazing in her approach to the resident’s especially those with cognitive deficits.  Amy can invoke the very emotions that Alzheimer’s residents need so they may be in touch with their feelings and their past. Amy uses such a fail free positive approach with all of our residents, and they have blossomed in so many ways.

Amy also teaches the ‘Memories in the Making “art program, a sanctioned program through the Alzheimer’s Association. Amy has taught the program to life enrichment staff from local assisted living and nursing home communities for the last four years. This one-day training has enabled thirty new staff every year to put the training they received from Amy into practice with their residents.

I can’t think of a more talented and compassionate person to work with both our residents and staff.

Viability has been partnering with ArtSong for over 3 years with extraordinary results. Over 50 individuals have participated in the art program and report overall satisfaction with all aspects.

Members have stated:   “Amy helps us find our inner artist!  Whether it is with paint or markers; we all have a gift!”, “It is amazing and beautiful” “ArtSong relaxes me”

“ArtSong helps me think through my problems while I participate.”  The Viability artists work has been showcased at art exhibits, won awards and decorate numerous offices and homes.  This program is invaluable to its participants.

It was an absolute pleasure working alongside Amy as our Eastern Graphics Supervisor with WestRock Graphic Solutions. Amy was always performance-focused with an emphasis on data analysis when making key decisions regarding sales growth, cost reduction, improving productivity metrics and rallying her team to execute with precision on goals, opportunities and challenges they were facing.

Among Amy’s strengths as a leader are her ability to connect deeply with each team member. She brings real honesty, empathy, inclusion and passion to every situation and personal connection. PASSION…is by far the one area I strongly remember. Amy’s passion was always present, elevating the team to reach higher and dig deeper which in turn developed a stronger unified group. A key benefit from her passion as a leader was the team’s willingness to try new things, explore potential solutions when facing adversity and commit to personal growth and development within their respective roles as graphic artists and/or production coordinators.

I highly recommend Amy as a gifted, talented and passionate leader for any team looking to strengthen their business foundation.