Holiday and Reflection of this amazing Journey...

I will now be taking a holiday this week to San Francisco to reflect and take on board everything i have learnt via my Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship so far....

The Blogging will continue in just one week...watch this space..

MOMA Off-site Program at Sunnyside Adult Day Centre..

I was so excited to see how MOMA could deliver an off-site program in a Adult Day Facilities environment, plus it gave me the option to see both Art Work observation conversations and studio based work.

It was very interesting as many of MOMA's inside gallery logistics were very different. There were more participants within the group, less caregivers, 70% of them spoke Spanish and only one man within the group. Merly the Educator facilitated it beautifully - engaging everyone throughout.

The Program began with observations of artwork based around the theme of 'Chance and Order' - the main focus being on Pollock's work. After discussing the work in some depth, the group then created their own pieces using marbles and paint within a box. This art form was well thought and didn't get any participant dirty or confused as it was fun and addictive (trying to scribble all over the page similarly to Pollock).

This Program at Sunnyside was very different to MOMA's on-site, but thats how it should be! We as Educators or Co-ordinators work around Logistics and what the participants want within the Care Facility.

Collaborative Art Making instead of Solo Art Making??

After having a closing meeting with the MOMA staff it came to our attention through many observations and discussions:

Can Collaborative Art Making within an Access Dementia Group be more successful? Rather than Solo Art Making??

- Some participants struggle with the thought of 'creating something new and so finished' that they become anxious and withdrawn from the activity. So is Collaborative Participation the way to go?? How do we create a studio space that all individuals can develop new Artworks either in a solo or collaborative way??

Meeting with Ashley and Lindsey at the Rubin Museum of Art...

After observing the 'Mindful Connections' Program at the Rubin Museum of Art last week i was able to meet with both Ashley Mask and Educator Lindsey, to discuss the program in some more depth.

I could not believe it!! I had observed just their 2nd ever Alzheimer's Access Program!! It was really great and worked well so i had no idea it was so brand new. The Rubin are working hard to set up a long lasting Access Program for individuals with Dementia and hope to develop this into both gallery and studio programs in the next year.

Check out the Rubin's regular Blog for updates on their Mindful Connections Program as well as general development:

http://education.rma2.org/

I look forward to seeing what happens in the future at The Rubin Museum of Art. Himalyan Art can be as successful as Contemporary and Traditional Art too - engaging participants with Dementia through searching and finding stories through many visuals.

The MET - Gallery Workshop..

I went back to The MET to join the Alzheimer's Access Program....

We travelled to Egypt and viewed mummies and artifacts from numerous tombs. It was great as alot of the participants could really reflect on their own personal experiences of being in Egypt. 70% of my group had been to Egypt - so this tour was ideal for them!! We were able to touch and we drew patterns which allowed for detailed observations too.

This program was very similar to Milwaukee's Public Museum and a perfect way to travel to a place without going on an aeroplane! A great way to 'leave' New York for the day....

Walk to End Alzheimer's!!

Charlotte and I completed the 'Walk to End Alzheimers' walk with other fundraisers and organisers!! The weather was perfect, the ambience was perfect and the walk raised lots of awareness! A truly great day...

Rubin Museum of Art - Mindful Connections Program...

Ashley Mask invited me to observe the Mindful Connections Program at The Rubin Museum of Art.

As soon as i entered the museum i recognised TI - an Alzheimer's Participants who i have met at three program's since i have been in New York. He is unbelievable and recognises good Art work when he sees it - whether hes at MOMA, in a choir or at The Rubin he can understand the artists emotions and what they hope to portray - its amazing. So it was a pleasure being reunited with him at The Rubin...

The Mindful Connections program was run similarly to Meet Me at MOMA and other gallery access programs that i have worked within - the only difference was the collection and smaller groups. 8 partipants and their caregivers arrived but were split into two groups. This was great and engaged the group more so - the main focus of the group were the participants and what they felt about the Himalyan Art Pieces. It ran for one hour and a half but could have easily carried on. I felt engagement was high due to more questions needing to be asked to understand Himalyan Art.

Which ART program is right for you??

It has come to my attention whilst researching on multiple program's around New York City that many couples (individual with Dementia and their caregiver) attend more than one program per month.

So how do they work out which one works for them?

And is this a new part of their 'Creative Aging' Curriculum?

American Folk Art Museum...

I met with Rachel the leading Director of Education at the American Folk Art Museum today....to discuss their views and programs set up to engage and empower individuals with Dementia.

It was really interesting to find out that the museum has actually down scaled this last year from 5 stories next to MOMA to a small space in Upper West Side..so adjustments are being made to make the Dementia Access Program as successful...

At present they are showing a Quilt exhibition. This tactile textile work is used as prompts, similarly to paintings and sculptures that i have previously discussed and observed in other galleries around the US. Obviously the narratives are not as clear to the audience but this means that they have to read even deeper and write and explore new stories and ideas stemming from what they see or observe....

In fact anything could be observed to prompt discussion - it doesn't just have to be a painting!

It was so interesting speaking to Rachel about thier ethos and program at the American Folk Art Museum and it will be great to find out how the program develops over the next year...

Alzheimer's Association's 24th Annual Meeting at The Times Center in Times Square..

I was invited to the Alzheimer's Associations 24th Annual Meeting at the Times Center just off Times Square - it was absolutly fascinating and great to get questions answered that we are all thinking in relation to the headlines we see in the media.

Neurologists and Scientists - Sam Gandy, Ralph Nixon and Effie Mitsis were on the panel, moderated by Sapna Parikh from abc news...

The discussion was based around the media as to what stories are Hopes / Hypes....the information dispersed to the audience was very scientific but made sense, speaking about the strong relationships between Dementia and Diabetes and even Dementia and Football (head injuries) due to the Amoli levels and stem cell movements as we age.

We are more likely to develop Dementia later on in life as the body finds it difficult to get rid of unwanted Amoli as it becomes more corrupted as we age. So how do we prevent it? - Lowering hypertension, controlling Diabetes, Low weight, Low Fat intake, no head injuries, these will all delay the onset of Dementia.

But what about those individuals that are very healthy throughout life and still get the disease???

It was very exciting that we are taking steps forward in the way of research but it will be years before any medication is used due to pre-testing...lets look forward to the future..

Photos from the Arts and Minds Program at The Studio Museum

As you can see - a perfect example of creativity, engagement and empowerment through the Arts...

Bishop Hucles Care Home - Drama Therapy

It was great to work alongside Bishop Hucles Creative Therapists to facilitate a Drama Therapy session with around 8 individuals with various stages of Dementia.

The session began with reading poetry and interpreting words and emotions through Drama - ie/movements to express words. Through prompt words, we began exploring and putting together another poem. This worked really well and each individual participated either through language or body language - ie/smiling.

It was fantastic to see how poetry can be delivered in many ways and in comparison to working with Gary Glazner at Alzheimer's Poetry Project. Both are so effective but it is apparent with what backgrounds the facilitators come from.

The individuals from todays session at Bishop Hucles certainly got alot of the session....

Arts and Minds at The Studio Museum

I joined The Studio Museum in Harlem for their 'Arts and Minds' Program. As soon as the participants began entering the studio space i was overwhelmed with emotion. Everyone was eager to begin and find out more about the program - bringing in one or two art pieces that they had produced to speak about within the group.

I was expecting all two dimensional works but the vast variety was extraudinary!! This included three dimensional sculptures using old medicine lids and tablet cases to create jewellry (photographs to follow)...i was blown away with this type of creativity - certainly a perfect example of 'Creative Aging'. Other members of 'Arts and Minds' brought in photography art works, paintings, brithday cards and other sculptures made at other programs.

The rest of the program consisted of collage and watercolour art work which provided a frame for creativity. This was interesting and a combination of two art forms that worked very effectively.

I would certainly encourage asking participants to bring in their favourite piece of art work that they have created to discuss - this really provided a new avenue for individuals with Dementia.


(Watch this space for Photographs from this amazing program!!)

The MET - Touching and Handling Workshop

This was my first visit to The MET, even though i have been in the big apple for around 16 days!! On arrival the building was spectacular with the beautiful scenery of Central Park close by. I was able to work closely with Individuals with various types / stages of Dementia and with the caregivers too.

In the Art Study Room of The MET we handled and touched various scultures and pieces from the main galleries. From figures to animals to maps. The program meant that we discussed the piece after handling, drew and responded to them by looking even more carefully and then found out more about its background, what is what made of etc.

This was a very different program and i hadn't seen anything like it but it worked for this group. Being able to touch and feel the sculptures really does make a difference and empowers them with a sense of control. Alot of the individuals in my personal group loved discussing the type of material the object was made from which was interesting. Then we found out that one of the men used to build ships and is very aware of sustainable materials!!

A very intereting program....and i am looking forward to Tuesday's program to see more of what The MET has to offer as part of acess!!

Dance for Parkinson's Disease Training at Mark Morris Dance Centre, Brooklyn

I was invited to take part in the Dance training for individuals with Parkinson's Disease as this has a close relationship with Dementia. So i was interested in finding out links and how the overall diagnosis is similiar. This took place at the Mark Morris Dance Centre in Brooklyn - with fantastic studio spaces!!

The training day began with dance warm ups leading to dancing and working with the body to control it, through the feet, hands, shoulders etc. It was really interesting and gave me another flavour of how dance can be influential to individuals with Parkinsons Disease. After the dance part we were able to ask quetions to a specific Parkinsons Disease Neurologist. This was ever so interesting and gave me an entirely different perspective. Saying that the repetitive nature of dance is what helps and enables empowerment for those with Parkinsons....What i learnt within this training will be put forward into my research to gain a better picture of diagnosis on what can help and engage individuals at all stages...

Storycorps!!

I was so excited to eventually find out more on 'Storycorps' / Memory Loss Initiative and had had this meeting set up for ages!!

Storycorps is set up to enhance peronhood for storytellers with memory loss. Not only does it allow participants to acknowledge the beauty of their story and moment but it also engages them in meaningful conversations - with carers or loved ones too. These stories are then part of national history - both for families and for researchers and others in a similar position. When all stories are recorded, one is given to the individual and family and the other is stored in the Library of Congress in Washington DC - at present there is around 4000 recordings there already!! - I hope to go and listen to a variety whilst my journey takes me to Washington....

This initiative really interests me as it has 'Intergenerational' unconsiously embedded into it. Teaching and sharing personal stories with granchildren and their children and their children...so in years to come we can hear and really get to know important histories and knowledge.

Check out the website so you can hear some of the stories recorded:

http://storycorps.org/listen/

Not only do Storycorps do a Memory Initiative, but they travel the country recording stories. They had a memorial initiative for 9-11 and are working with stroke patients too....an amazing program to bring stories to life!!!

Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, Bronx

I had the amazing opportunity of meeting with Dr.Concetta M. Tomaino, the director of the Institute For Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in the Bronx...they have a full floor of music / rehearsal rooms and the energy is overwhelming. The services have received donations off famous musicians such as Moby! He donated his recording equipment...They use Music therapy for all types of individuals with multiple diseases and difficulties - a care facility that cares for chronically ill and disabled adults through the New York metropolitan area. They use music in various ways to enable positive health and well-being...both physically and emotionally.

Dr Tomaino is also a top researcher on the Music and Brain relationship and also carries out collaborative work with Dan Cohen, the director of 'Music and Memory' -with a program named 'Well-Tuned'. They both see instant results through music and how this can tap on memories and psychological issues to improve overall life with individuals who have cognitive impairments or Dementia.

After talking with Dr Tomaino i was able to observe Music Therapy with Therapist Tom. We went down to the care facility and i got to meet Freddie. A middle aged man who had been in a serious car accident around 10 years ago, struggling with speech, fine motor skills and walking he finds music therapeutic and enjoyable. He was able to play guitar before the accident and this skill has stayed with him throughout. It was so powerful when he picked up the guitar and began playing 'Amazing Grace' from his bed... to have this embedded in the community - can really make a difference. Music has similar effects on individuals with Dementia....as seen in previous organisations.

'We Sing' - Alzheimer's Association Program...

This afternoon i have had a great time joining the 'We Sing' group at St.Peters Church in NY, singing songs from various years!! A little bit of dancing was incorporated too!! Each person left with a huge smile on their face and it was such a feel good program.....

A Powerful Section taken from a Music and Memory hand out...

'Amazing as it may seem, meaningful memories, emotions and the recognition associated with them are stored in an area of the brain that is among the last to be affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias'.

This just proves how powerful not only Music, but the Arts can be such a powerful tool to EMPOWER and provide VALUE in life....

Ipod Project at Cobble Hill Care Home with Dan Cohen and Louise Dueno...

This morning i met with Dan Cohen the Managing Director of 'Music and Memory' and Louise Dueno the Recreation Manager at Cobble Hill Care facility in Brooklyn. It was one of the most fascinating conversations....

Ipods - a technology that is used by many of our community to choose and select music for pleasure. So why can't individuals within Care facilities or individuals with Dementia have this same pleasure?? - Dan Cohen's belief that everyone should have access to the newest technologies.

At present there are round 75 - 100 Ipods being used in Cobble Hill, where the members chose and select the songs they want. From patriotic, gospel, opera and rock - specific to their taste. If the member has problems deciding on music, families, carers and friends are asked to participate and choose certain music (25-200 Songs are chosen)..and can be changed quite regularly if wanted. The project itself is now developing with podcasts and audio books too.

When speaking to Dan and Louise they hope the project will develop in the way of Ipads too - choosing the right Apps and accessories for various members. Not only does it improve well-being from negative to positive, it is an activity that the member can carry out alone and always has the option to. The staff have been trained on using the equipment but it is very much led by the participants themselves. I think its a great concept!! And imagine young students teaching the elders how to use an Ipad?! - A way of changing the stigma and making technology accessible to ALL ages.

Intergenerational Alzheimer's Poetry Project...

I was very excited for today as it was my first time observing and taking part in an Intergenerational Alzheimer's Program...

The first half of the session was working alongisde the nursery school children (aged 4/5) to use call and response techniques to learn a poem based on 'Fall/Spring'. After discussing and learning it with actions we travelled downstairs to the 'Memory Day Center' where we worked in collaboration with the elders to sight the poem and perform. For me this way amazing and such a great experience for both age groups too..

When the children left - they shook everyones hands and you could feel the power of energy and happiness within the room for both age ranges. To integrate both of these age groups really changes stereotypes and stigma's - making our environment a better place to be....

Afterwards the children left and Gary worked solely with the Memory Center group - by writing a new poem..

A fantastic first Intergenerational Program for me to observe and take part in!!

Name Tags? - Good or Bad?

Are name tags Good or Bad within a permanant elderly residence for project work? Are they seen to devalue the members by not knowing their names (as they do live their permanantly) or seen as a tool for conversation and identification?

Day Centres usually have name tags as members can attend at various times so staff are more likely to forget names...

WHAT DO YOU THINK??

Poetry techniques...

After the Alzheimer's Poetry Project i got together with Gary to talk some more on techniques and how to facilitate a successful program...this was very interesting and he gave me tips that he has developed over 10 years! I feel so priveleged to know these now in my career...

One of the main techniques was when introducing yourself to a participant, to take on board their personal level as to what they tell you...ie/do they respond with - 'Nice to meet you, my name is Judith' or 'Hello' - there is a huge difference between the two and its reading between the lines to understand their ability within the group. This simple task really helps to understand the members before even beginning so you do not devalue them in any way during the project (whether thats poetry, visual arts or music)..it works for them all...

The other techniques and processes will be discussed further in depth in my final Winston Churchill Report...a thoroughly inspiring discussion that i will certainly take on board!!

Alzheimer's Poetry Project with Gary Glazner...

I had been in contact with Gary Glazner for some time before beginning my Churchill Travelling fellowship with regards to programs and observations so i was very excited to see what they were all about!!

Today i met Gary at 80th Street Residence in Manhattan which is a specific Memory Loss residence. Their was a group of 12/14 participants, mainly women with variety of backgrounds and personal needs and abilities. We sat in a large circle in one of the living room areas and began discussing Shakespeare in honour of England (honour of me!!). As Gary has been working with this group for around 2 years, monthly - the group is confident and engaged straight away. They honestly say how they feel about varios poets, one lady quoted 'Shakespeare is boring and it reminds me of been at school!!'. But this humoured the whole group....

We spoke about numerous poets - Gary reading them all the way through and also 'Call and Response' activities, concluding in writing our own poem based on the theme of 'Fall'. Each member of the group answered Gary's questions based on the senses to come up with their own line for the poem. (This poem will be updated onto the blog very soon - so keep watching out for it!!)...

I had the job of writing everyones comments / lines for the poem during the discussion which was actually very difficult. At the beginning i picked up on the most important phrases but towards the end i wrote down full sentences. It shows that i listened more carefully to the participants towards the end of the session - providing more emotion to the poem through full sentencing. This was very interesting to me - that i need to develop and pick up on all of the words during poetry instead of descriptive words. Hopefully i will be able to try out this technique again tomorrow in another program....

Arts in Mind: Art as a Mental Health

I was invited to attend the Arts in Mind: Art as a Mental Health panel discussion at MOMA....which led on from the exhibition opening that i previously attended last week.

The panel and audience debated over whether Art is a result of Mental Health OR Art results in Mental Health?? This contrast really engaged the conversation and we began discussing the debate on Process / Product and the differences between an Artist and Art Therapist. I feel strongly about all of these subject matters so it was interesting listening to multiple individuals with many backgrounds.

However - what came out of this discussion for me was the reality that 'Art Takes Courage' for those involved whether its a famous artist or individual with mental health or dementia. By trying out techniques, colours, scales and patterns really is decided by the particpants themselves, in the help of emotion and well-being.

I'd like to finish with this quote by Edward Hopper:

"If i could say it in words i would have no need to paint".

A truly inspiring discussion.....

MOMA - Art Exhibitions...

I finally got the chance to explore the many galleries at MOMA....and oh my it was unbelievable with a range of interative and contemporary pieces alongside traditional, very well known artists such as Monet, Joseph Cornell and Francis Bacon too. I think i will need to go back in the next couple of weeks to look some more as there was so much to take in!!

The sculpture garden was also visually exciting and with this hot weather - a stunning water garden to sit and reflect in too...

I feel ever so priveleged to have been working closely with MOMA's educators and Access Programs and look forward to the off-site program's in the next few weeks...

Columbas Day Parades!!!

Columbas Day - a bank holiday for most Americans...the streets were full of people awaiting the Parades and they took place from 11:30 until 3pm - from downtown Manhattan right up to the other side of Central Park....

Piecing all Research together...

Over the next couple of days i am going to begin pieicing and writing up various research which i have observed and collected in the previous weeks. This will eventually be part of my final report for the Winston Churchill Trust.

Times Square..

New York Public Library...

I ventured to the reading room on the third floor of New York Public Library - to get writing and complete reading....it was such a stunning building - i had to stop my wondering eye looking at the fantastic Architecture...

It was such an inspring location to begin piecing my research together. I will going back here again for sure!!!

Jewish Museum - Dara Cohen..

I met with Dara Cohen - who provides access program's at the Jewish Museum, to various members of the community. They have just began their Alzheimer's access program in September - so to get the feedback off such a fresh and new program was highly interesting!

The Jewish Museum educators also work at MOMA but their program is entirely different. Alot of the program differences differ due to logistics and what is possible within the space. What was interesting was that the Jewish Museum use sensory stimuli's to engage in each painting. So for example, smells and visuals to instigate discussion.

I hope to contact Dara in a couple of months to see how the program is developing and if they have made any specific changes...

Integenerational differences between the US and UK...

During the last few meetings with numerous care organisations - i have had the opportunity to discuss my ideas for future program's around Integenerational Arts.

It has come to my attention that this is where the main difference lies between the two countries - US and UK.

The stigma around the 'elderly' in the US is horrific and young adults do not spend much quality time with their parents / grandparents in the large cities such as New York / Chicago etc. Also - due to the healthcare in the US it is very expensive for any medical treatment, day centres or care facilities. So all of these factors provide difficulty in providing a successful integenerational project and this is why there are few set up in the cities.

It made me realise how proud we are as a country in respecting our elders. I see the elderly as a key to our society, who teach us respect and general knowledge to make us who we are today. If we see elders standing on the bus we always move and give up the seat - but here in the US i have seen the complete opposite. I was not aware of the difference and this has changed my outlook on Creative Aging and how culture needs to change as soon as possible - What could be done to prevent this??

Memory Works Program - Alzheimer's Association

I met up briefly with Paulette Michaud who invented and put together "Memory Works" for individuals in Early Stage Dementia. The program works with individuals to develop their brain stimulation for as long as possible, using numerous forms of exercises to do so - from general knowledge questions to picture and word references and spelling quizzes.

The program started after around 20 clients of the Alzheimer's Association, New York asked for activities to stimulate the part of the brain that was still working - so Paulette developed this!!

When observing, it was obvious that every client wanted to be there and it was if they wanted to "work hard" for 2 hours non-stop. I think this is such a good idea - for both intellectual and social reasons. The group get together weekly...

Great to observe and to get insight into another area - very different from an Arts Perspective, but still provides to this community in a very similar way..

Brooklyn Parkinson Group Statement...

"...Dance addresses itself to the whole individual; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. It is a total body activator and as such it is psycho-physiologically rooted".

-Shailor Upton Lawton.

The Arts can really make a huge improvement to ones life and provide the safe environment to really play, imagine and engage with new opportunities and people - i feel priveleged to be in this field!!

Brooklyn Parkinson Group...

Whilst speaking to Dina at Heights and Hills she mentioned the close relationship they have with the Brooklyn Parkinson Group....they tell all their elderly clients who have Parkinsons about this program - to promote health and well-being.

Coincidently there was a Brooklyn Parkinson's Group taken place the same afternoon so we quickly rang and organised for me to visit and take part. Parkinsons and Dementia have close relationships and can be quite common as a multiple disease.

The first half of the session consisted of singing Broadway songs - to improve breathing, stimulation and the voice. Then we took part in the modern dancing for the second part. In comparison to Kairos Dance that i took part in quite closely in Minneapolis - it was entirely different. The dance moves were quite set and more modernised. It was great to have the live piano player in the background - as he chose appropriate songs in relevance to the movements.

After the dancing session finished - the room was full of enrichement and energy! I had to hold back the tears at the end - as for an activity we had to pass round energy in a circle. This was so powerful and it really makes you feel part of a new family. Unbelievable!!

Please see this Video to understand some more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAIPKPN_smg

Heights and Hills Statement..

"There are four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers"

- Rosalyn Carter

(I think this statement shows that the stigma and generalisations to the elderly need to change - as one day we will either care for somebody or someone will care for us).

Heights and Hills - Caregiver's Program..

I met with Dina Zempsky - the Caregiver Program Director from Heights and Hills.

To get a better understanding of the full picture of Dementia, i decided to expand my research and delve into the world of caregivers (carers in English terms) as to what support there is and how this is fufilled in Brooklyn, New York.

The Heights and Hills program was developed only a year ago - after developing programs for elderly individuals living in the Brooklyn area. Numerous support groups, counselling sessions and social events allow for the caregiver to have respite and Heights and Hills provide care for the individual, to allow it to happen.

Heights and Hills provides for all elderly individuals living in Brooklyn and they have a mixture of health and physical abilities - from Dementia, Parkinsons and Diabetes. As a company, they also have close connections with other access programs such as MOMA, Mark Morris Dance Company, Concerts in Motions and Storycorps.

A fantastic company that do all they can for the elderly community of Brooklyn...

Check out there website:

http://www.heightsandhill.org/index.html

IMAGINATION...

As the exhibition was named Imagination - this was the statement read by the audience:

IMAGINATION

1)The Act or power of forming a mental image of something NOT present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.

2a) Creative Ability

b) Ability to confront and deal with a problem: RESOURCEFULNESS

c) A creation of the mind: especially: an idealized or poetic creation.

These definitions are perfect and prove that our imaginations can take us to new places and provide a place of comfort. And in fact for individuals with cognitive impairment it can allow for inside emotions and feelings to come out through association with the Art.

Bridge Group Artists Exhibition at MOMA...

Carrie also invited me to stay at MOMA for the Bridge Group Artists Exhibition - IMAGINATION...

The Bridge organisation work in collaboration with MOMA to present an annual visual exhibition. The mission of bridge is to change lives by offering hope and opportunity to those vulnerable in society - from the homeless, mental illness and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The Art work that was on display was extraudinary and they all showed various types of emotion from anger to love and hope. I am actually thinking of buying one of the pieces as i was drawn to it that much...

"Meet Me at MOMA" Access Program...

The time had finally come for me to observe the "Meet Me" Program at MOMA!! I was very excited and many other organisations had told me alot of positive feedback about this program - it is what other Art Organisations across the US look upto!!

As i walked into the (apparently) closed MOMA on a Tuesday - it was full of people!! I couldn't really get my head round why they facilitate the program when the gallery is closed, but it was making sense to me now. There were 6 groups of around 6-8 individuals with various forms of memory loss alongside their caregivers, (12-16 per group)...all being led by numerous trained educators. I was lucky enough to go on Francesca Rosenberg - the Director of Community and Access Programs tour around the gallery. We observed and discussed around 5 pieces of work based on the feminine firgure.

It was fascinating and gave great insight into imagination and alternate views and opinions on the Art work. We were in a group that was being photographed too - so the group was very close and comfortable - they could have been engaged for much longer and the two hours quickly dissapeared!!

In relevance to the other Programs in Art Galleries that i have observed and taken part in - i wouldn't say they were that different and use similar strategies to communicate effectively, such as repetition, short sentences and open questions to the audience.

A totally fascinating experience and i can see why MOMA is leading in Alzheimer's Access program's....

Please see the website for more information and videos:

http://www.moma.org/meetme/

Grand Central Station..

The beautiful architecture of Grand Central Station...i felt in a different world...

Meeting Georgia Krantz and observing at the Guggenheim...

The Guggenheim was next on my itinary!! And what extraudinary architecture - i could literally see it from a mile off. I met with Georgia Krantz and discussed the access programs at the Guggenheim. As of yet they do not have a Memory Loss Program but hope to develop and facilitate one in the future.

We spoke about Intergenerational projects and this brought up huge controversy and differences between the US and UK - around relationships with elders specifically. Not alot of intergenerational work is taking place in the US and Georgia believes this is due to living in an "Agist Community"........how interesting?!!!

I then observed a different program altogether to get a new perspective on access programs and how they are tailored for their audience. "A Minds Eye" Program is for individuals who have impaired vision. So for me it made me think about how to communicate to individuals with Dementia in an entirely alternative way thinking about imagination and placement of descriptions. Something i will certainly put into practice...

Meeting Carrie McGee - MOMA Access Program's...

I then met with Carrie Mcgee from MOMA!! It was great to finally meet with her over lunch!! I will be reporting back again soon about MOMA as i will be observing and taking part in the access program - MEET ME AT MOMA tomorrow...very much looking forward to it...

Meeting Alzheimer's Association - New York Chapter...

My day began with meeting both Jed Levine - the director of Programs and Services and Anne Wyatt who works externally for the New York, Alzheimer's Association in Care Facilities, in various parts of the city. It was interesting getting to know this specific chapter in comparison to Chicago's and Minneapolis' (that i saw previously when travelling).

We spoke alot about the transition periods of the disease and how this can affect an individual. But we came to the conclusion that each person is entirely different and to enable the choice of whether they want to carry on in the Early Stage Program even if in the middle stage, (however this has to be approved with the rest of the group).

Jed also mentioned that 40% of time with the disease is spent in late stage Dementia - which i was horrified about!! What a high percentage?? However more Alzheimer organisations are developing Early Stage Programs due to the medicine been developed for mid/late stage. Hoping that their only client group in the next few years will just be early stage...but lets see what happens within our culture.....

Bring to Light NEW YORK 2011 - Festival

I arrived in the big city - that is New York on Saturday and went straight to the annual "Bring to Light New York" which was presented and had taken over Brooklyn. It was an explosive creative event with light, music, interactive, performance installations lining old buildings, appartment blocks and the streets of Brooklyn. It was eerie but fascinating and exciting too!! A great way to start off the NY adventure.....

Walker Art Center / Walker Sculpture Park - Minneapolis

I met with Ilene Krug, Courtney Grebner and two volunteer educators at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis to discuss the program they offer to individuals with Memory Loss.

It was great to get the opinions from contemporary educators and to find out various art activities that they facilitate. We were able to relate to one another as they use bizarre and everyday materials too within their workshops. When the program takes place at the Walker the only difference to similar programs is that they have their gallery and studio visits seperate and only once a month - this is to do with logistics of the building and engagement of the partipants also. At the Walker Art Center they also charge for all programs as their funding does not cover this, however they always have many participants and money is not an issue. This proves there is a huge need for these type of Workshops....

Above are photographs taken in the Walker Sculpture Garden - it was unbelievable!! And i finally got to see some of Claes Oldenburg's work too!! I remember when he was my main inspiration in my GCSE Art....

New Updates on there way tomorrow!!!

Due to travelling over to New York - blog will be updated tomorrow!!

......WATCH THIS SPACE....