Mobile Art Beginnings with Theresa Bond Zelazny

Theresa Bond Zelazny is an Austin artist, art instructor, mother and grandmother. As founder of the Mobile Art Project, Theresa has led monthly art classes for older adults since 2007.

The goal of the program is to reduce anxiety, allay fears, and combat isolation by allowing participants to express themselves through art. Along the way, the art activities help to restore self-esteem, build friendships, and increase cognitive skills that can lead to an overall stabilization in health.

Breaking Down Barriers to Participation with Mobile Art

For many individuals it can be difficult to travel any distance to take a class or participate in a meaningful arts experience outside of their neighborhood or home. That is why we bring these experiences to them, effectively eliminating the most prevalent barriers to participation. We even have offered classes by phone; delivering art supplies and clearly detailed lesson plans, followed up with a conference call that connects everyone in reflective and conversation.

Theresa recalls one artist:

“Saline lived in an independent living facility. She had a thick Polish accent as she grew up there and lived through the Holocaust. Saline was a bit of a loner but, during MAP classes, she really blossomed. With no photos from her childhood to share, she recreated memories through her art. For our exhibit at the Texas Capital in 2011, Saline was our artist selected for promotional materials. She beamed with pride when she saw her painting on exhibit.”

Expanding the Reach Through Partnership

Following the merger with Art Spark Texas in 2016, Theresa adapted her ‘Meet the Masters’ lessons to teach healing arts classes at the Austin Veteran's Out Patient Clinic. Through these classes, her teaching skills were expanded as she witnessed the increased self confidence and confidence in her participants. 

Advocacy Through the Arts

Art Spark supports artists at any stage of their development: beginners to amateurs, using arts as a hobby, emerging, and accomplished artists. They have shown how important it is to advocate for and with people with disabilities, empowering individuals to explore, create, and grow with confidence and strength. 

Building Community through Creativity

If you were to step in as an observer during one of the lessons that Theresa has led, you would feel the electricity in the room as participants unleash their creativity while building new friendships or discovering new stories from old friends. It’s not just magic that’s appearing on the canvas, it’s self esteem and community building at its best.