Free Open House for Art in Mind this Thursday Seeks to Help Those Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is hosting a free information session about Art in Mind, a program that uses art creation and appreciation of art to encourage social connections between members of the aging community, early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, and their caregivers.
The Art in Mind program started in 2014, inspired by the Meet Me at MoMA program, and it is getting a fresh start in 2020. This program uses the museum space to hold social interactions between people in the aging community.
Studies have shown that cognitive engagement in creative exercises boosts well-being and improves health. Art in Mind’s goal is to contribute to the health of the South Mississippi community and to establish an ongoing vital program to maximize the access and the use to the Museum space and services.
Join us in the effort of improving the lives of South Mississippians who live with Alzheimer’s disease, learn about the benefits of art in mental health, make connections with mental health organizations and the Gulf Coast community, and find out how you can benefit from the Art in Mind program.
A panel discussion entitled Aging Creatively: the Benefits of Art in Well-being and Community Shaping will also take place during the event. In this panel, we will discuss the benefits of art in creating well-being for senior citizens, with a special focus on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
- Anne Marie Collins is an Art Therapist based in Pensacola, FL. Anne is an artist and the owner of Madewell Art Studio.
- Rene Serpe was married to Rich, and they were two of our first and most passionate participants in the program as well as docents at the museum since its opening. Before becoming affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and passing about a year ago, Rich was the Master Coffee Roaster at Roaster Bean for many years. Rene was present with Rich for every Art in Mind class that they could attend since the program’s inception in 2014.
- Angel Fox – Memory Care Program Director at Bay Cove – Angel is a certified professional who leads the Dementia Capable Care program at Bay Cove. Her work is characterized by her compassion and dedication to Biloxi’s senior community.
- Cathy Sando – Activities Director, Bay Cove Assisted Living – Cathy has worked as an LPN for 22 years in numerous healthcare settings before becoming an Activities Director in 2002. Cathy works diligently to provide activities that fit each resident’s unique physical and social needs.
- Kathy Bristol – Kathy is an Art Educator and life-long volunteer at the Ohr O’Keefe Museum. Kathy has been involved with the Art in Mind program since 2017 and has first-hand experience of the benefits it has on senior citizens.
