Memory Matters hosts third annual Fun Art show
By David J. Moore
The Southern Utah Art Guild will feature artists from the Memory Matters Utah/Nevada Fun Art program in its show titled “Spring” at the St. George Red Cliff Art Gallery. Memory Matters will displaying 18–20 pieces by Fun Art participants from the Memory Activity Class as well as five local care facilities. An opening reception will be held March 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. The public can meet some of the artists, and refreshments will be served. The show will run through March 28. Admission is free.
Fun Art is a local program that enriches the lives of people who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Memory Matters Fun Art program is organized by Harold Tanner, a respected artist with work hanging in galleries in three states.
“For the past three years Harold has been to our dementia activity group and area care facilities working with residents and getting them to paint,” said LuAnn Lundquist, Memory Matters Utah/Nevada founder and executive director. “With his enthusiasm and energy, Harold connects with them on a fun level, hence the name ‘Fun Art.’ Most of the participating artists have never painted before. They painted what makes them happy. This is not fine art we are doing. It is fun art. If it’s not fun, we are doing it wrong.”
“Having the public support this art showing will help reduce the stigma of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. While they have lost so much with this disease, this is something that they gain,” said Lundquist. “For many of Memory Matters’ clients, it is one of the only things that they feel accomplished at in this phase of life. Art is a way of expressing emotion and feelings when the area of the brain that finds words slows down. It is a new way of communicating that produces an object that brings pride and a feeling of achievement to the artist.”
For more information about Fun Art or Memory Matters’ programs and services, visit memorymattersutah.org or call (435) 319-0407. Memory Matters Utah/Nevada is 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. The Red Cliff Art Gallery is located at 220 N 200 E in St. George.
David J. Moore is development director for Memory Matters Utah/Nevada.
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