LIM Gives Dementia Suffers a Chance to Shine at New Exhibition

The tenth annual "Through Our Eyes" exhibition kicks off on July 18th. The art exhibition will run through September 1. The exhibition stems from a collaboration between the Long Island Museum (LIM) and the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center (ADRC). Every month the ARDC and  LIM host "In the Moment," an art program for people with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia and their caregivers. This exhibition features artwork created through this innovative program. 

This year the gallery will feature work by care partners and participants in the ADRC Art Expressions Program in East Islip as well as LIM's collaborative programming. The art on view highlights the joy that art can bring into people's lives even while 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 LIM'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.

“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 in our local communities, 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.

To register or for more information, people should contact the LIM directly at  educators@longislandmuseum.org or (631) 751-0066 ext. 212.

My mother came to live with me a year ago because of her dementia and these programs have been great for her. Of the art program, she told me, "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."

Personally, I think we treat too many people in our society as disposable and those who suffer from dementia get lost a lot of the time. It can be uncomfortable to be around people with severe memory issues but that does no one any favors. Memory issues do not negate a person's intrinsic value. My mother suffers from Alzheimer's but she is an accomplished writer and anthropologist. Programs like the ones at LIM bring out her creativity and spark memories that may otherwise lie dormant.

These programs also provide an opportunity for more interactions with the world, something that does wonders for the brain. In fact, Harvard University has found socialization is crucial for brain health:

Research increasingly shows that strong social ties are crucial to your brain health. Socializing can stimulate attention and memory, and help to strengthen neural networks. You may just be laughing and talking, but your brain is hard at work. This increase in mental activity pays off over time.

Scientists have found that people with strong social ties are less likely to experience cognitive decline than people who spend most of their time alone. In fact, one large study, which included some 12,000 participants, suggests that when people are lonely, their risk of dementia rises by as much as 40%.

Too often, people with dementia retreat into their own worlds and don't interact with anyone but their caregivers and/or immediate circle. This isn't healthy. Programs like those offered through the ADRC and at the LIM allow dementia sufferers and their caregivers to combat this isolation.

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