Art, Alzheimer's, and the most enjoyable research study we've stumbled on to date

I want to take a minute to break my blog-silence and gush about the "clinical trial" study Mom and I have been participating in over the past seven weeks. Calling it such feels a bit inaccurate, because it's been so much fun. Each Friday, we've been able to work with staff at the UK School of Art and Visual Studies to create some form of artwork  The research staff is assessing how these experiences can have a positive impact on patients with mild to moderate dementia. (Read more here!)

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/living/health-and-medicine/article57328868.html#storylink=cpy

The format of our weekly class is very basic: there's always a piece of artwork (generally done by a professor at UK or a local artist) that serves as a source of inspiration. We begin the class by discussing the artwork: What do we see? What feelings does the piece of artwork evoke? Sometimes, we'll discuss things like brushstroke technique, if a piece of art is more organic or geometric, or if a piece has more contemporary or traditional influences. What I've loved so much is that the conversation is basic and approachable for all us non-art folk -- we can discuss things that come from our basic impulse reaction and draw on foundational memories or experiences. The discussion has allowed both Mom and I to feel engaged with the artwork.

After we discuss the piece we generally create our own work using techniques from the artist we had discussed. We usually spend about forty-five minutes to an hour painting, and then wrap up and head home.

Here are a few simple observations I've had about the experience:

• Mom and I are generally skeptical at the outset, as we're both more right-brained and have never been very into creating art. However, each week we always leave feeling more relaxed, upbeat, and accomplished. We've both been pleasantly surprised at what we've been able to churn out in such a short time-frame -- and we've found that we're a surprisingly great painting team!
• While we use the artist's inspiration to come up with a piece, I always try to direct Mom to one of her own memories to create our artwork. I've been surprised by how much we've drawn on recent trips to identify a memory to form the landscapes and settings of our artwork.  We found ourselves painting a landscape from Maine one week, while another we focused on re-creating a shot of Charlie and Mom's kayaking expedition last year in the Everglades. (And of course, there was a basketball-themed piece - because we were taking the class in March, after all.)
• It's been a joy to talk with Mom and others in the class about the art they're creating and where it comes from. There's really not a way to articulate this without seeming trite, but it's been very meaningful to observe all participants (caregivers included) talk about what led them to create their piece of art and where it comes from inside of our experiences. Sometimes our artwork reflects a longtime hobby or important life event, while other times we're just thinking about what we ate for breakfast or trying to recreate from the artist's inspiration. But all of the artwork has grown out of a place of meaning and was catalyzed by a memory from participants -- and that has been such a fun experience to observe.

I just wanted to share about this program, to take a moment to reflect on what a joy it has been. Also, I wanted to brag on my Momma. I am proud of how she continues to try out new things -- especially research studies -- and particularly in light of the reality that much of what is familiar and known is slipping away. 

If you are in the Lexington area and would like to see some of the fantastic works of art that Mom and others have made, swing by the UK School of Arts and Visual Studies (236 Bolivar Street, Lexington, KY) anytime between Tuesday, April 12th and Sunday, April 17th. The exhibit is call "Hidden Wonders" and will be featured on the second floor, toward the back of the building.