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Stony Brook, NY – July 17, 2024
The Long Island Museum (LIM) is honored to serve as a showcase for the 10th Annual Through Our Eyes exhibition. This year the gallery will feature work by carepartners and participants in the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (ADRC) Art Expressions Program in East Islip as well as at the collaborative programming with ADRC at the Long Island Museum. The art on view highlights the joy that the arts can bring into the lives of those that are navigating the challenges of living with a dementia diagnosis.
“Tailored to the unique needs of individuals with memory loss, the Long Island Museum’s In the Moment and the ADRC’s Art Expressions programs utilize the healing power of art to evoke memories, emotions, and connections. The museum’s staff and volunteers work closely with our participants, fostering a supportive environment that encourages self-expression and creativity,” said Carol Hartmann, Director of Programs, Education, and Training, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center.
In its 10th year, the Through Our Eyes annual exhibition is included within the museum’s In the Moment programming, an umbrella of arts engagement opportunities for those in the memory care community. Each year when the museum’s education staff begins the collaboration with a new partner organization and individuals within that community, the exhibition takes on its own unique shape. This year the gallery features work created by 15 people living with memory loss, alongside the work of their carepartners. In some cases these carepartners are family members, and in others, they are dedicated professionals serving the individuals and their families.
Ann, a participant, shares that “The program is great. I think people want to express themselves more when encouraged to make their art. This is a good way to learn more about art and the museum.” Her daughter and carepartner, Alyson, adds that “The creative process opens up the brain in ways only art can. I have enjoyed watching my mother open up at the programs at the Long Island Museum and encourage everyone I meet who has a loved one with dementia to participate.”
The LIM and the ADRC are focused on supporting the needs of individuals experiencing memory loss alongside those of their carepartners; viewing these care dyads and triads as units comprised of individuals, each with their own potential to be nurtured, supported and inspired by the arts and be embraced by our community.
“This year’s exhibition process was especially joyful for those of us at the museum,” said Kristin Cuomo, Senior Educator at the Long Island Museum. “Partnering with ADRC has allowed us to build relationships with individuals aging in place at home with the support of their loved ones. These relationships are at the heart of the LIM’s mission to serve the people of Long Island.”
Photographic portraits and artist statements are paired with the artworks to provide a richer context and a deeper connection with these sets of artists. The LIM invites visitors to take a moment to reflect on these stories and view the world through these artists’ eyes.
Susan, carepartner to her husband Jay, both artists in the exhibition, shares “LIM’S In the Moment combines art education with an opportunity to tap into our creative side. Stimulation through art exposure is priceless and we love this program. ARDC’s Art Expression provides a creative outlet in a fun, social, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. A truly great time!”
Through Our Eyes will be on display in the Cowles Gallery until September 1, 2024 and is underwritten by a generous anonymous grant. For more information about the exhibition and the LIM’s In the Moment Program visit: ThroughOurEyes
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