Gari Melchers Home & Studio partners with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter to offer a small, welcoming program for people with memory loss, their families or care partners. These interactive tours include guided discussion in the studio and gallery space, followed by a hands-on art experience. An emphasis is placed on engaging participants through music, touch, and smell. You can also engage with us at home using this lesson plan.
Each hour-long program features a new theme, paintings, and art project. Cost is $5 per person. Useful information about our site’s accessibility.
Picturing New Connections (PNC) began with its March 2019 pilot program. The Education Department is currently offering PNC twice a year with hopes to expand. Here’s how it all started.
PNC In The News: Melchers’ Program Helps with Alzheimer’s: Picturing New Connections, a new art program for people with early-stage memory loss
Participant Feedback: “The friendliness and preparedness of the program made it relaxing and enjoyable. There was no rush at any point. It was a great experience. We could not ask for more.”
For more information about Picturing New Connections, please contact Michelle Crow-Dolby, Education and Communications Manager, at mdolby@umw.edu.
Next Program Date: This program is temporarily suspended during the pandemic.
