A rising junior at Lehigh University is spending her summer with new friends while living at The Shores, a senior living community in Ocean City.
Leah Strasser is currently studying cognitive science with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience, along with minors in studio arts and health medicine and society. She heard about the opportunity to live and work at The Shores for the summer and jumped at it, thinking it would be the perfect fit to combine her passion for art with her neuroscience interests.
She teaches various art classes to residents at The Shores, offering sessions that are accessible to everyone and that anyone can join.
When asked why she decided to take this job and live at a senior living community, she said, “I mean getting to live a few blocks from the shore didn’t hurt, but I’ve always been very close with my grandparents and I’ve always gotten along well with older people. Since being here I have made a lot of friends.”
Strasser shared that while the community and residents themselves have been great, she was initially excited about what this opportunity presented for her academically and professionally.
“In the initial interview, they really dove into my angle that not only is this good for their well-being and creativity, but also the neuroscience that can go behind it,” Strasser said. “They sort of saw my vision and neuroscience angle that I was hoping to bring in and let me run with it.”
Strasser shared that these art classes are great for the residents at The Shores because they allow them to use creativity as a form of self-expression while also giving them a sense of community. Not only are they gaining the benefits of learning something new, but they are also meeting new people, socializing and creating in an expressive environment.
Two current residents and avid participants in Strasser’s classes, Joseph Walters and Priscilla Jackson, had nothing but glowing things to say about both the classes and Strasser herself.
Walters shared that he started doodling during the COVID-19 pandemic, realized how much he enjoyed it, but also realized he didn’t know much about art.
“When I started taking the classes with Leah, I noticed that each class had a learning process. We would do new skills and I felt like I was taking things away from the class. I built an interest in it and now I schedule everything else I do around here around the art classes because I enjoy it so much,” Walters said. “The enthusiasm that Leah brings in is great, she has a personality where she makes you feel comfortable no matter what level your art’s at.”
“I have found after every single class that I leave happy. They’ve always offered art classes here and I never went to any of them because it didn’t interest me, but these classes are so interesting and good,” Jackson said. “Leah has us thinking, has our minds going the whole time we’re working and it’s wonderful. There is always a cognitive thing working while we’re painting.”
While the residents praise Strasser’s classes, she credits them right back, saying they’ve taught her even more.
“I learn lessons from their lives and stories. Just seeing people willing to try new things at an older age is great. I’ve really learned and grown into myself more,” Strasser said. “I’ve grown into my teacher’s voice and learned how to be more expressive. This community is so supportive, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and about life.”
To showcase all that Strasser and the residents have created throughout the summer, The Shores is hosting the Flow State Art Gallery on July 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. Strasser has held onto every piece of artwork created this summer, treating the gallery as a celebration of the creativity, growth and connections that have developed throughout her classes. The gallery will be open to the public, giving the community a chance to see firsthand what the residents have accomplished.
“It’s going to be a celebration of what these guys have done,” Strasser said. “A way to show how we united the community through art.”
Strasser admitted that when she first came into this experience, she wasn’t sure if it would directly correlate with her career path. Once she arrived, she realized she would gain something even more valuable, the human aspect of connection and learning how to work with people.
“I’ve always loved art, and always searched for that connection between neuroscience and art,” Strasser said. “Being in a place as supportive as here has allowed me to delve into my interests and connect the two. Now, as a career path, I know I can do something with the two together and see the impact of this. It’s sparked a passion for combining them in a setting like this.”
Speaking on the connection between the two and what art really gives these residents, Strasser shared, “Art and creating use self-expression, motor skills and dexterity. I think everyone deserves to express themselves. Even if there are verbal or physical challenges, art gives them a way to still express themselves.” She also added, “[By] using their hands to create, these novices experience all these things that research has shown: It’s good for their brains and good for them to learn something at this age.”
For Strasser, what began as a summer internship blending art and neuroscience has become something much bigger. Through each class, conversation and painting, she has seen firsthand how creativity can strengthen minds, build friendships and foster confidence. As the summer comes to a close, the artwork hanging in the Flow State Art Gallery will represent more than colorful canvases, but as a reminder that learning, creating and finding community have no age limit.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
