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Memory care · Waxahachie, Texas

Memory fades. The color doesn't.

Paintbrush Hall is a 30-resident memory care home a few blocks from the courthouse square, with a working art studio at its heart and a gallery wall that changes every month.

Schedule a tourLevels of care
A resident sitting cross-legged on the studio floor among potted plants, painting bright brushstrokes on large sheets of paper
A resident in lilac holding a bunch of violets to paint
A resident in a pink blouse arranging old photographs for a collage

Why an art studio

Some days the words won't come. A brush still will.

I spent twelve years as an art therapist in Dallas hospitals before opening Paintbrush Hall. Over and over I watched people who could no longer find a word pick up a brush and make something beautiful. Dementia takes a lot, but it often leaves color, rhythm and the pleasure of making a mark.

So our studio isn't an activity room with a box of crayons. It's a real studio with north light, good paper, real watercolors and a trained art therapist six days a week. Nobody has to paint. Plenty of residents just like to sit nearby and watch. But on the first Saturday of every month, the gallery wall opens to Waxahachie, and the artists get a reception.

— Elena Marquez-Cobb, ATR-BC, founder

A resident's hand painting a watercolor of pink poppies

What sets us apart

Where we shine

A resident in a pink blouse arranging old photographs for a collage
01

Dementia-trained caregivers on every shift

Each completes our dementia course and refreshes it every year.

24/7
A resident sketching the trees during a weekly sketch walk
02

Watercolor and painting sessions

Real paper, real paint and no wrong answers.

6 days a week
A resident smiling at a painted keepsake box
03

First-Saturday gallery opening

A public reception for the artists, with lemonade and name cards.

Monthly

Sample family reviews

In families' words

Mom hadn't finished a sentence in a year. Then she painted a field of bluebonnets that's now framed in my living room.
Rachel G.Daughter of a resident
At the opening, a stranger asked Dad about his painting. He talked for five minutes. I hadn't heard him talk for five minutes since Christmas.
Tom V.Son of a resident
My husband was a draftsman. They gave him a ruler and a fine pen, and he drew the courthouse, every window, perfectly.
Betty L.Wife of a resident
Keisha spotted that Mama's new medication was making her dizzy before any of us did. That's a nurse who's paying attention.
Derrick W.Son of a resident
Family art night is the only time all three of my kids want to come visit Grandpa. That's worth everything.
Amanda F.Daughter of a resident
Lorraine walked us through the VA paperwork line by line. We'd been stuck on it for months.
Gilbert R.Son of a resident
It doesn't feel like a facility. It feels like a gallery where people happen to live.
Priya S.Granddaughter of a resident

For families

For families

How to stay close, and what to expect.

  1. 01

    First-Saturday openings

    Every month, ten to one. Bring friends; the artists love an audience.

  2. 02

    Family art nights

    Third Thursday evening. We supply paper, paint and pizza.

  3. 03

    The first month

    Our nurse calls weekly with a short report, and our social worker checks in on you too.

  4. 04

    Paying for care

    Our social worker can walk you through private pay, long-term care insurance, VA benefits and STAR+PLUS options.

Rooms & suites

Rooms with good light

Every room is private, with a window, a private bath and space for the furniture and pictures that make it home.

Bright minimalist bedroom with a cozy bed, blue decor, and natural light from large windows.
01

Private studio room

Our standard room: a full window, a private bath and space for a favorite chair.

  • Private bath
  • Large window
  • Bring your own furniture
260 sq ft
Senior woman in a comfortable bedroom, sitting in a chair and relaxing in a robe.
02

Courtyard room

Opens toward the garden, with morning light and a view of the bluebonnet bed.

  • Garden view
  • Private bath
  • Reading chair
290 sq ft
Spacious vintage-style bedroom featuring a soft color palette, chandelier, and classic furniture.
03

Corner suite

Two windows and room for a small sitting area. Popular with couples who want to stay together.

  • Two windows
  • Sitting area
  • Suits couples
380 sq ft

Our team

Our people

Elena Marquez-Cobb, ATR-BC, Founder & Executive Director

Elena Marquez-Cobb, ATR-BC

Founder & Executive Director

Keisha Brown, RN, Director of Nursing

Keisha Brown, RN

Director of Nursing

Dr. Lucas Freeman, Medical Director

Dr. Lucas Freeman

Medical Director

Marisa Ocampo, Studio Director

Marisa Ocampo

Studio Director

Meet the team

  • 30residents, every room private
  • 6studio sessions a week
  • 400+resident works shown since 2010
  • 1:6caregivers to residents by day

Ratings & recognition · sample

  • Readers’ Choice · Best Memory Care
  • County Arts Council · Community Partner
  • Chamber of Commerce · Small Business of the Year
  • Regional Health System · Preferred Partner

Now hiring

Caregivers and medication aides. Paint on your scrubs is normal here.

Visit

Find us in Waxahachie

Tour & office hours

  • Tours, Mon – Fri9a – 5p
  • Open studio, 1st Saturday10a – 1p
  • Families visitAny time

Visit any time. The studio is busiest from ten to noon, and families are welcome to pick up a brush.

Come to the next opening.

First Saturday of every month, ten to one: lemonade, cookies and a wall of new work. Or call Elena for a private tour any weekday.

Schedule a tourCall (972) 555-0158Text