Stroke by stroke, Tiffiny Lilley is right there. Giving a little helping hand when it’s needed or maybe just a little encouragement. It's in a small room she's able to accomplish something much bigger.
"Art is - it's a way to create happiness," said Tiffiny.
Once a month, Tiffiny passes out the paint and brushes to residents here at Courtyard Towers Senior Living Center in downtown Mesa. Some live independent and some are in memory care, living with Alzheimer's. But when they're painting, it's not about where they're at in life.
Something different happens.
"Painting kind of connects the pathways in the brain," said Tiffiny. Residents who were quiet suddenly start to open up.
"I had one woman sing through the entire class. I had one woman walk away from her walker and walk clear to the opposite side of the building before everybody realized she had forgotten her walker."
It's those moments she knows she's making a difference, one stroke at a time. On Thursday the Courtyard Towers will be auctioning off the paintings. Proceeds will go to the Alzheimer's Association.
IF YOU GO:
The silent auction starts at 4 p.m. at the Courtyard Towers Senior Living Center at 22 N. Robson in Mesa.
