Community Experience Ambassador Marta Canas Granados leads twice-weekly painting classes that support engagement and well-being
GREAT FALLS, Va. — Creativity is a meaningful part of daily life at The Residence at Colvin Run thanks to team member Marta Canas Granados, whose passion for art and service is inspiring residents one brushstroke at a time.
Canas Granados, who joined the Colvin Run team as Community Experience Ambassador in September, leads painting classes for residents twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Launched in late December, the new program quickly gained momentum, with 21 residents attending the first class and even more expressing interest as word continues to spread.
“Working at The Residence at Colvin Run is deeply fulfilling for me, as it allows me to bring together my three greatest passions — teaching, caring for older adults and serving others,” Canas Granados said. “I see my mother reflected in each resident I serve, and that personal connection inspires me to give my very best every day.”
Her commitment extends beyond the art room.
“I genuinely love to serve, and my mission within this community is to serve and contribute to a respectful, collaborative work environment focused on the well-being of everyone,” Canas Granados said. “Being able to support our residents’ well-being, witness the positive impact on their lives and continue learning in such a meaningful environment makes each day truly special.”
Executive Operations Officer Seth Wirekoh has seen firsthand how those values translate into resident engagement and joy at The Residence at Colvin Run.
“Marta has made a significant impact on our residents through her caring and compassionate personality, as well as through her artistic talents,” Wirekoh said. “The residents are very enthusiastic about the class.”
Wirekoh previously teamed with Canas Granados at another assisted living community, where she led both assisted and independent living art classes. Knowing her ability to connect with residents through creativity, he was confident the art program would thrive at Colvin Run.
Beyond enjoyment, art-based activities such as painting offer well-documented benefits for older adults.
“Creative expression can help reduce stress, improve mood and support cognitive engagement,” Wirekoh said. “Group art classes also encourage social connection, giving residents opportunities to share stories, learn new skills and build friendships. These are important elements of emotional and mental well-being.”
Those benefits are already taking shape as residents gather around canvases, experiment with color and celebrate one another’s work in the senior living community. For Canas Granados, the experience is just as rewarding.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing the joy in their eyes as they create artwork that’s uniquely their own,” Canas Granados said.
By combining compassion, creativity and a deep respect for those she serves, Canas Granados is helping residents discover not only new artistic abilities, but new ways to connect, express themselves and find joy. One class at a time.
For more information, contact Trachell Duncan, Community Relations Director, The Residence at Colvin Run, at [email protected]or call 703.223.5226.
