On August 23rd we enjoyed an open-air exhibit of nature-inspired art that was a collaboration between the Memory Hub, UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, and Elderwise, with support from Era Living Memory Care. The colorful, eclectic art show celebrated nature-inspired art created by the Memory Hub greater community and Elderwise participants, friends and family. The idea was originally inspired by how often Maude's Garden becomes the inspiration for artwork. The show included over 100 original works of art. Many of the artists attended and shared their enthusiasm with others.
"A special treat for us was a visit from participant artists from our Northaven outreach program," says Janet Salsbury of Elderwise, who helped organize the exhibit. "None had visited the Hub previously and all enjoyed socializing, drinking Maude’s Garden Tea and the camaraderie of sharing and discussing art.
View some of the scenes from the show:
It was so special to show off a portrait of Maude's Garden, painted by artist Mark Koplan (center) in Maude's Garden over the last few months. Here, Mark celebrates his work with Emily Billows, a Memory Hub community partner from the Seattle Public Library (left) and Genevieve Wanucha of the Memory and Brain Wellness Center who, as Maude's Garden lead, curated the art show. Photo: Thomas Grabowski.
The art show included works of glass garden art by community member Linda Cowan. To make her garden art, she finds glass pieces at Goodwill and fuses them into nature-inspired creations. Learn more. Photo: Thomas Grabowski.
Kimberley Rettig, M.Arch., stands by her artwork, titled Sun Wind. Photo: Thomas Grabowski.
Members of the UW Alzheimer's research center's team visited the show and spent time at our art table in our covered area. The pressed flower art in the foreground is by community member Jean Chen! Photo: Thomas Grabowski.
A view of the Memory Hub activity room, which contained most of the paintings and collages on display.
An incredible display of works created at the Memory Hub, including in the Elderwise program, the Garden Discovery program, and a collage workshop at the Memory Hub.
Over 80 people attended the one-day art show. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Memory Hub community!
On display in the garden: Concrete casts of rhubarb leaves by Janet Salsbury, program coordinator for the Elderwise Adult Day program offered at the Memory Hub. Thanks to Janet for being our partner in planning this art show! Photo: Thomas Grabowski.
New UW Medicine neuropsychologist, Justin Miller, PhD, submitted a 30-year-old bonsai tree from his collection! The tree is an arboricola schefflera, or Dwarf Umbrella Tree. He grows in it the "Root-over-Rock" style.
Because this summer day turned out to be (very) rainy, we displayed most of the artwork inside the Memory Hub. "This is a beautiful day," said one visitor, "not even the rain can dampen my enthusiasm."