RELISH | relinquish

1001 East Second Street,Dayton OH 45402

23 April, 2022

Description

Panel Discussion Featuring Karen Fisher and Gayle Nosal RELISH | relinquish, at its essence, asserts a new form of consciousness about what it can mean to bring creative care to those living with Alzheimer’s dementia. By offering the viewer an opportunity to learn about the complex and rich experience of someone living with Alzheimer’s dementia, we hope that this exhibition will fuel compassion and promote better support for those living with dementia, their family caregivers and their broader circle of support. This exhibit is community-engaged art, developed through the perspectives of Rosie herself yet just as importantly, from the interaction and dialogue Karen and Gayle had with Rosie’s community. Rosie’s friends, family, and caregivers all were experts at knowing Rosie and thus, shaping the exhibit directly and indirectly. This exhibit is a collaboration with people/communities which may not normally engage in the arts and one aim is that the exhibit and the process act to catalyze other events, new ways of connection and thinking about Alzheimer’s and about the power of art. The group is a shared authority on the work at the exhibit. Two professional artists, one woman and her community have driven the process, and together, have been catalysts for social change. The panel comprises a group that is addressing a particular concern through documentation, art, and art-making. Panelists include professional artists; caregivers to someone with Alzheimer’s; a licensed social worker and professionals with experience in social services. Panel Connie Steinke: Former Social Services professional; Rosie’s friend of 61 years; Mother of 5 daughters; watercolor artist Ellen Bourgeois: Wellness Guide; Rosie’s friend of 27 years; Former educator; navigator of autism related social service systems Nan Fischer: Executive and Professional Coach; Former educator and campus minister; Rosie’s life partner of 47 years Shannon Braun: Licensed Social Worker; Social Worker at Bayley Residential Facility; Early Stage Program Coordinator for Cincinnati Alzheimer’s Association; Director for Center for Memory Support & Inclusion; Facilitator of Rosie and Nan’s Alzheimer’s support group for 6 years