VERO BEACH – Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County and the Vero Beach Museum of Art kick off another season of “Afternoon at the Museum” every Thursday at 2 p.m.

“Afternoon at the Museum” is a free 90-minute, docent-led exhibition tour and a related studio art activity for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The collaboration between the two organizations began almost a decade ago and remains an integral part of the roster of creative initiatives that serves the residents of Indian River County.

Lucinda Gedeon, Executive Director and CEO of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, says, “Any form of creative expression can be therapeutic and life affirming for many individuals. This particular program provides an opportunity for people with dementia and their care partners to enjoy the multi-layered pleasures of viewing art and art making. We are proud to partner with the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association on this project.”

Peggy Cunningham, Executive Director of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC, adds that “collaborations are crucial at this point in the growth of our organization. We are honored to join hands with the Museum on this important program that allows participants to experience art appreciation and art making, and to connect with others through quality social time.”

“For people with dementia, a relationship with the arts can help improve quality of life and increase a sense of wellness for them, as well as for their care partners,” Cunningham says.

“Afternoon at the Museum” is part of the Museum’s “Art for Health’s Sake” initiative that emphasizes the process of creative expression to harness the benefits of emotional, physical, spiritual and social well-being.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sophie Bentham-Wood, Director of Marketing and Communications, at the Museum at 772.231.0707 ext. 121 or Judith Lemoncelli, Director of Development, at the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC AT 772.563.0505 ext. 106.

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