Pre-schoolers and People with Dementia Make Art Together

Over 100 people with dementia from around Perth and Kalgoorlie will have a range of artworks exhibited in Mosman Park from 8-10 December, including a piece that reflects a special connection with children.

Project Picasso is an annual enrichment program for people living with dementia in Amana Living care centres or attending their day respite clubs.

Art is known to be an effective way to engage with people who live with this challenging disease, and this year Amana Living has noted a very special connection between clients at one respite club and young children. Three- and four-year-olds from West Kinross Kids Care Preschool have been visiting Club Kinross for a range of activities, including a piece of intergenerational art for Project Picasso.

Club Coordinator Yvonne Pedersen said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the generations to come together. Many of the children don’t have older relatives in Australia, and our clients have so much fun with them. It’s a joy to see them all light up!”

The Kinross artwork will be one of over 200 pieces on display at this year’s exhibition. The artworks were produced over a seven-week period by residents and clients across Amana Living centres in Perth and Kalgoorlie, with the help of staff and volunteers.

Volunteer and Enrichment Manager, Emily Scarff, said: “Project Picasso is an opportunity for people living with dementia to express themselves when words elude them. We provide as much freedom as possible to create a variety of artworks, by supplying art equipment and lots of encouragement from staff and volunteers.”

The exhibition is an opportunity to see the results. Visitors are also invited to purchase pieces by anonymous donation. Funds raised will be invested in art supplies for Project Picasso 2016.

Project Picasso Exhibition – event details

Venue: The Cortile-Wright Bennett Centre, St Hilda’s Chidley Campus, McCabe St, Mosman Park

Launch time / date: 10.30–11.30am, Tuesday 8 December

Exhibition opening times / dates: 10.00am–1.00pm, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December 

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