by Cara D. Todhunter, Executive Director
Did you find yourself trying out a new hobby or getting back to a creative outlet during 2020? As social engagements came to a halting stop, I found myself becoming creative as a way to fill the social void. I took-up cross stitch and embroidery and created various gifts for my family and friends.
David King, a resident at the Reformed Presbyterian Home, turned to his creative talents to keep busy during the pandemic. At first, David was looking to pass the time but soon after was creating art to share with his close family and friends.
David shared the following during an interview in January with Mindy Cable, Director of Activities:
“In November, Dave discovered a mandala coloring book in his drawer that had been a gift. He obtained colored pencils and a sharpener, and thus began his Winter 2020 art project. He said, “The first one was delightful!” It had butterflies in the pattern. And he was hooked! As a retired photographer, Dave has a good sense of colors and shading. He likes the intriguing patterns and colors of mandalas as well as the circular shape because it gives more of a sense of motion and wholeness versus the straight borders of photos. He said, “The more I did it, the more I enjoyed it!” Dave can’t believe how quickly the time passes when he is engrossed in one of his mandalas. He can complete one in about 2 days. He commented, “It’s good use of my time.” It’s been a great diversion from TV and reading, especially during the pandemic. By January, Dave had completed 25 of them. He recently got frames and shipped 7 of them to friends/family across the country. He got an early morning call from his friend in New Jersey who was thrilled with the creative gift. Now Dave is preparing one of his beautiful mandalas to hang in our RPH 3rd floor activity area. And this is just the start! Dave has a new book that includes mandalas to color along with background info and inward reflections. And so, during this unprecedented pandemic, we have a new budding artist in our midst. “
Emmons, David’s son, indicated he “was drawn to the beehive feeling he gets from the Mandela”. 
“The Mandela is attracting energy to charm my career corner” shares David’s daughter, Lenya. 
David’s artwork will be displayed in his sister’s (Kathleen) new coffee shop in Santa Fe!
David’s family and friends were willing to share their reactions and pictures of their gifts.
Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit. It is said that circles are powerful symbols in many cultures – prayer wheels, halos, and other religious symbols. As some studies suggest, David’s artwork is not just about keeping busy but may also be beneficial to him by relieving stress and anxiety. In fact, coloring mandalas is considered art therapy and even a form of meditation! Further people who color mandalas may feel a sense of calm and well-being.
The residents at RP Home have had to turn to individual activities, virtual family visits and other modifications due to the social distance restrictions during the pandemic. Mr. King was able to lean on his artistic interests and skills to cope with these social limitations while finding a way to connect with his family and friends. We look forward to sharing more of Mr. King’s artwork with our residents and staff.