Wasilla Area Seniors invites public to partake in painting event dedicated to heart health

WASILLA — Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. is inviting the public to participate in Paint Your Heart Out, a community art event that promotes creativity, social connection, and heart health.

Paint Your Heart Out runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. WASI Assistant Executive Director, Marlene Munsell said this event will be a great opportunity for local seniors and members of the public to “add a little color during our long tough winter season.”

“Just bring yourself and a friend, your best painting clothes, and we will provide the rest,” Munsell said. “Everyone is invited.”

According to Munsell, there will be six volunteer teachers onsite to help participants paint to their hearts’ content. There will be two paintings to choose from, an Alaskan-themed project or a “tree of life” project.

Munsell said that Paint Your Heart Out will be a great way for locals to connect with old friends or make new ones while learning about heart-healthy habits. She said it’s an safe, warm and welcoming environment for families to spend time together

“Invite your mom or your aunt,” Munsell said.

Munsell said that several people have already signed up for Paint Your Heart Out. She said they started these community paint events with volunteer instructors in 2019 and they’ve proven to be quite popular among WASI residents and visitors alike.

“We expect to have a good turnout,” Munsell said. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting seniors out of their homes and having some comradery. We’re all in this together.”

Munsell said this event is sponsored by The Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute and serves as an opportunity to share ways to improve heart health. Since February is American Heart Month, WASI staff and volunteers are offering various heart-healthy classes and projects across the campus.

According to Munsell, their overall operations are faring well at WASI. She said they’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new van that will be used to transport seniors.

“That is going to be huge for seniors,” Munsell said.

Admission for Paint Your Heart Out is $25, which includes all supplies and snacks.

Check-in for the event begins at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event. To register, visit the WASI office, official Facebook page, or their website at wasillaseniors.com. For more information, call 907-206-8792 or email marlenem@alaskaseniors.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com