THUNDER BAY, ON: Making Memories is an intergenerational art program developed in Thunder Bay which brings youth, seniors, and people with memory loss together through artistic creativity. The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay – in conjunction with Jasper Place, The Manor House and local artist Etta Novak – is very pleased to be launching another season of this wonderful four week program with the sessions taking place every Saturday afternoon starting June 12 until July 3.
The 20 participants in the Making Memories program range in age from 18 to 80. The group will have tried its hand at everything from water colours to acrylic, and from still life to free form and figure drawing. Recent research suggests that people with memory loss – such as those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease – can benefit from artistic endeavors like drawing and painting. Making Memories is about encouraging this self-expression, as well as fostering intergenerational bonds.
“Creating art together has such a great unifying effect between people of different generations. It encourages people to communicate and to learn from each other,” stated Alison Denton Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
A number of paintings created by program participants will be on display at Jasper Place. Some of the art will also appear as reproductions in a variety of publications like the “Making Memories – An Alzheimer Memoir” art calendar. The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay greatly appreciates program sponsors Shaw Cable Systems and Lehto Printers. Their continued support has been a key to its growing success.
2010 Intergenerational Art Program Schedule
Date: June 12 & June 19 Location: The Manor House, 63 Carrie Street Time: 2-4 PM
Date: June 26 & July 3 Location: Jasper Place, 1200 Jasper Drive Time: 2-4 PM