I just thought I'd share some information about this really great organization that I have been volunteering with for the past couple of months.
Arts & Minds is a growing organization that helps connect art to people's lives, in particular, the lives of older adults living with memory disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. I have personally witnessed and experienced how powerful the opportunity to express creatively can be in terms of self-empowerment, confidence and community for those living with these disorders. Through gallery discussions and hands on activities such as painting and sketching, Arts & Minds strives to connect caregivers and those living with memory disorders through artistic expression.
Arts & Minds is making valiant efforts in bringing those with memory disorders and their caregivers into new experiences through art, self-reflection and creative process. Arts & Minds collaborates with institutions such as Harlem Hospital andThe Studio Museum in Harlem, reaching out to communities throughout New York City. The program is open to everyone, however, there is a particular emphasis on reaching out to the African-American and Latino communities because it is these communities that suffer an increased risk of memory disorders, without overall access to treatment and therapies.
Arts & Minds seeks to bridge some of these gaps by connecting art and well being to those people's lives. It has been such a wonderful and fulfilling experience and my expectations are continuously exceeded by the perseverance and strength of these individuals.
If any of you know anyone living in the New York City area, be it a family member or friend, who suffers from or is at risk for a memory disorder and who might be interested in participating in these workshops, please contact me via email for more information. Since this a fairly new organization, Arts & Minds does not have a website as of yet, but be sure to check out updated information on their new Facebook page.
*Workshops are free of charge, but reservations are required. Upcoming workshop will be held at The Studio Museum in Harlem on Tuesday, April 26 at 2:00 PM.