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DOLL
MAKING PROGRAM :: MELODYVISION |
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HEALING
QUILT |
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PEACE
QUILT |
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TALKING
QUILT PROGRAM :: MELODYVISION |
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The Esther M. Klein Art Gallery is pleased to introduce NewCourtland
Elder Services, a network of six nursing homes for frail elders
throughout Philadelphia, and the unveiling of an unprecedented
exhibit that showcases the bonds that can develop when two
generations come together using art and culture as common
platforms. Entitled "Comfort and Joy, Celebrating
Intergenerational Artistic Achievement," the exhibit
is the first at the Esther M. Klein Gallery at the University
City Science Center that features the combined efforts of
nursing home residents and Philadelphia school children. The
exhibit opens on June 2 and runs through July 2 and is free
to the public.
The ground-breaking exhibit is the culmination of five years
of the NewCourtland Comfort and Joy initiative where students
from Philadelphia schools join NewCourtland residents to participate
in art and cultural projects. Comfort & Joy connects residents
with different generations and reconnects them to the larger
community in which they strive to remain a vital part. In
working with innovative companies such as Melodyvision, Inc.,
a full-service music, sound and video production company and
recording studio, the program has both art and entertainment
initiatives.
"Pennsylvania has the second largest elder population
in the country, and many of them live in urban areas. There
are huge challenges for often overburdened, under-resourced
urban nursing homes to provide stimulating programs that nurture
the spirits and emotional health of their residents,"
said Dr. Jerry Johnson, professor of medicine and director
the Center for Excellence on Minority Health at the University
of Pennsylvania.
"NewCourtland's Comfort and Joy program is a terrific
example of how an organization can make a concerted, consistent
effort to hold programs that tend to their residents' mind,
body and spirit. And the fact that the public can see it and
can start to understand that seniors have a great deal to
contribute to our society, especially to our youngsters, is
invaluable. I say congratulations to all the residents and
children who participated."
The projects exhibited include:
Golden
Eagle Boy Scout Program "Healing Quilt"
Mosaic
Murals Photography Project
Doll Project
Joy & Wisdom: Sharing Elders Stories
Sacred
Village and Doll Making Program Stop Action Animation
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Voice of Ages Intergenerational Choir Talking
Quilts HBO Family presentation |
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Intergenerational Audio Moments WHYY
Shorts presentation
Art is Ageless |
"We are extremely honored at the opportunity to have
our five-year program showcased at the Klein Gallery,"
said Gail Kass, NewCourtland president and CEO. "We hope
our example will lead to other long-term care residents having
the opportunity to participate in programs such as Comfort
and Joy that help eliminate loneliness, hopelessness and boredom
in their lives."
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