Manor at Seneca Hill to hold reception for memory-loss art display

The Manor at Seneca Hill will host a free public reception for an exhibition of SUNY Oswego’s “Recollection: A Memory Loss Awareness Project” from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.

The art exhibition, exploring the impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on the local community, began in Tyler Art Gallery in early 2014, followed by the gallery at SUNY Oswego Metro Center branch campus in Syracuse. The exhibition has since toured five adult care facilities: Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center and Menorah Park in Syracuse, The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn [CORRECTED LOCATION, 4-6-2016], and, in Oswego, St. Luke Health Services, and, now, The Manor at Seneca Hill, 20 Manor Drive off Route 481 south of Oswego.

In 2013, prior to the first “Recollection” exhibition, Elizabeth Boivin, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Northeast New York Chapter, presented an open lecture and workshop at the college on using artwork to engage in conversation those affected by memory loss. Ann Thayer, programming manager for the same organization, conducted an open workshop on “Memories in the Making,” which uses watercolor painting and conversation as an engagement activity for seniors with dementia.

Students, faculty and staff from SUNY Oswego have contributed art and time to the well-received exhibition. “Recollection” has received support from SUNY Oswego Metro Center’s Active Aging and Community Engagement Center, Entergy and the Anne B. and Leon J. Goldberg Foundation, as well as college entities such as Artswego and Auxiliary Services.

The exhibition is under the management of Michael Flanagan, director of Tyler Art Gallery; Rebecca Mushtare, a member of the art faculty; and Kimberly Armani, director of SUNY Oswego Metro Center.