Washington / District Of Columbia / United States
Conversations at The Kreeger Museum A Program for People Living with Alzheimers Disease and their CaregiversJudy A. Greenberg, Director of The Kreeger Museum, is proud to announce the development of a new art program especially designed for people living with Alzheimers Disease ( AD ), their families and caregivers. Modeled after the pioneering Meet Me at MoMA ( Museum of Modern Art, NYC ) program ( est. 2006 ), Conversations at The Kreeger Museum will similarly provide a forum for dialogue and connection through looking at art. Docents and other arts specialists will conduct small interactive tours and discussions through the museums accessible galleries and grounds. During the program, tours will have exclusive access to the museums great architecture, sculpture and paintings on one designated day per month. The program will be free of charge to not only patients suffering from the disease but also to caregivers and family members who often face significant medical, emotional and economic challenges as a direct result of this devastating disease. Initially the program will provide art tours only. In future years, it is hoped that Conversations will grow to include art making workshops, outdoor garden walks and intergenerational components.Although we are still in the development phase of Conversations, we have already forged relationships with leading local institutions and service providers such as The National Institute on Aging, the National Coalition on Creative Aging, Sibley Hospital, Grand Oaks Assisted Living and IONA Senior Services to deliver a distinctly rich and beneficial program. We hope to be fully operational and offering tours by November 2010.For inquiries about the program or information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Derya Samadi, Program Manager at [email protected] or ( 202 ) 337-3050 x18.The Kreeger Museum has been awarded The National Leadership Grant by IMLS ( Institute of Museum and Library Services ) This prestigious three year grant of $232, 836 is for the Hear Art, See Music project in conjunction with Catholic University of America, a museum pilot program combining art and music for children with special educationalneeds.The Kreeger Museum is one of only two institutions in the District this year to win this recognition from the IMLS, an organization that works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge ; enhance learning and innovation and support professional development."It is a great honor for the Kreeger to receive this grant and have the opportunity to work with the wonderful educators at the Catholic University of America, " said Director Judy A. Greenberg."It is truly a privilege to develop a project growing directly from the core mission of this museum and the Kreeger legacy, which has the potential to impact children with special educational needs across the country." The Museum, following on the passions of its founder David Kreeger, has been involved in programs combining an appreciation of art and music for a number of years. The central winning idea behind the project evolved from Painting Sound, an art and music residency offered by the Kreeger and a team of professional musicians and visual artists to junior high and high school students in the District.Photographer Frank Hallam Day and Director, Judy Greenberg with youth. Photos by A. Zaremba.
