Among the many inspiring creatives here on campus at MPTF, one who truly makes her mark is Alleen Ramrus. Alleen, a four-year MPTF resident, teaches a weekly art class at the Katzenberg Pavilion, aimed at getting residents in touch with their inner artist. The class is a thing of wonder and is full every week. Upon touring our campus and seeing the work done on the easels that were provided by the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council Purpose Grant, Harout Aristakessian, the Chair of the Council’s Art & Culture Committee, said, “The word that came to mind was pivot. In life, challenges require us to stay committed to the destination but flexible in the approach—and that’s exactly what MPTF has done. Rather than accept aging as isolation, they built a community where residents are celebrated… Visiting Alleen’s art class was especially moving and brought the Council’s decision to life. Seeing residents create beautiful pieces reminded me that art is not just about expression but also joy and connection. A small act of support became a source of real joy and creativity.”
“I was struck by the stories residents told through their art,” Harout continues. “Having recently lost my dog, Trixie, I was moved by a drawing of a dog that reminded me of my own love for her—proof that painting is more than a hobby; it’s storytelling. For me, the visit reaffirmed that MPTF has redefined aging by pivoting toward inclusion, creativity, and dignity. Art itself is a kind of pivot—transforming stories into meaning—and the campus feels like a living example of possibility.” If you’d like to be a part of our mission of fostering creativity and taking care of our own, click here to find out more >
