The Art of Alzheimer’s Presents:
The Artist Within
In the first exhibition of its kind in Seattle, The Artist Within will feature art exclusively by people living with dementia ages 60 to 100. The art is surprising, delightful and inspiring. It will open hearts and minds to a different way of thinking about dementia, enabling us to see that – though they have changed – they are still here living with dignity, creativity and joy.
Special Events
Opening Reception
Thursday, January 7, 4-6 p.m.
City Hall Lobby Gallery & Anne Focke Gallery,
600 4th Avenue, Second Floor, Seattle
Creativity & the Brain: A Guided Tour
What does The Artist Within exhibit teach us about the brain’s enormous capacity for creativity? Join neurologists Marcus Raichle and Tom Grabowski, and artist Anna Hostvedt, for a guided tour and discussion.
City Hall Lobby Gallery, 600 4th Ave, Second Floor - Free
Wednesday, January 20, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Life, Love & Memory Loss: A Poet’s Perspective
Join three northwest poets as they read from poetry collections inspired by their experience of living with
memory loss, or loving someone with memory loss.
· Lon Cole, living with memory loss: “You Are Not Alone: Poems of Hope and Faith,” “alive and thankful: Life is a Gift.”
· Esther Helfgott, former care partner: “Dear Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Diary & Poems,” “Listening to Mozart: Poems of Alzheimer’s”
· Lori Kane, current care partner: “The Grace of Dragons: Receiving the Gifts of Dementia Care Partnering.”
City Hall Lobby Gallery, 600 4th Ave, Second Floor - Free
Friday, February 5, 12 – 2 p.m.
Group Songwriting Workshop
Enjoy the magic of group songwriting. In this two-hour workshop, Songwriting Works facilitator Judith-Kate Friedman will guide participants in creating an original song that incorporates everyone’s creativity and ideas. No musical experience necessary.
City Hall Lobby Gallery & Room L280, 600 4th Ave, Second Floor - Free
Wednesday, February 17, 6 – 7 p.m.
Art, Creativity & Dementia: A Panel Discussion
In what ways can living with dementia unleash our creative spark? How can the creative arts improve our well-being? What are local opportunities for persons living with dementia to get involved in creative expression? Explore these topics and more with the following panelists:
· Marigrace Becker, Program Manager of Community Education & Impact, UW Medicine Memory & Brain Wellness Center
· Lee Burnside, Clinical Assistant Professor, Geriatrics & Palliative Care, Harborview Medical Center
· Cara Lauer, Director, Elderwise
· Alice & Paul Padilla, Momentia Ambassadors
Moderator: Wendy Lustbader, MSW, author of “Life Gets Better – the Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older”
City Hall Lobby
Wednesday, February 24, 12 – 12:45 p.m.
City Hall Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 4th Ave, First Floor - Free
Improv Theater Workshop
Re-ignite the mind with improvisation and play! Join Taproot Theatre for an interactive demonstration of how improv theater can tap into the creative abilities of individuals experiencing early stage memory loss.
City Hall Lobby Gallery & Room L28, 600 4th Ave, Second Floor - Free