From Thursday, March 1, through Monday, March 18, the Meadowlark Memory Program will host a free Art Exhibition at the Flint Hills Discovery Center (315 S. Third St. Manhattan, Kan.). Featured art will include pieces created by residents and community members through Memories in the Making and ARTFul Making programs made possible by collaborations between Meadowlark Memory Program, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art and the Alzheimer’s Association. The exhibition will be displayed in the atrium. There is no cost to view the displays. 

   All are invited to attend an opening reception for the exhibition Thursday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m.

   The Meadowlark Memory Program offers free services to help support anyone in the Flint Hills area affected by cognitive changes. Various services include social engagement, exercise classes, support groups and educational opportunities

   Memories in the Making, an Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Association program, involves creative expression for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. Through their art, participants find a way to speak to loved ones, caregivers and the public. Led by the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, ARTFul Memories is a terrific way to de-stress, improve fine motor skills and socialize with friends. Together, participants and class facilitators develop new skills or revisit old ones while engaging in various art making activities. Museums around the country, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, are recognizing the benefits and offering similar art appreciation classes for those with dementia/Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

    Deficits like impaired memory, learning and language typically do not have a negative effect to an artist’s capabilities. Integrating art and memory programs have resulted in improved self-esteem, sense of purpose and accomplishment, while lowering the risk for depression, anxiety or agitation.

For more information about the Meadowlark Memory Program, contact Michelle Haub, Special Programs Leader, at (785) 323-3899.