An intergenerational debut at the Art Gallery - Not-For-Profit Report

Nursing Homes, August, 2003 by Sandra Hoban

Not only did the residents enjoy seeing their work in a professional presentation, but the students were also moved. "The exhibit was incredibly touching," says Thomas Fuell, a senior at Masterman School in Philadelphia. "I saw not only the Time Brings On Change video project with the group of elders and students I worked with, but also saw the projects of others. I hadn't realized the scope of these projects until this event, but when I did, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me because I realized that other people were given the opportunity to form similar bonds and have experiences similar to mine. It made me smile."

He was not alone in realizing their participation's importance. Anna McGorman, a junior at Friends Select School, comments, "It was one thing to enjoy the weekly visits and projects with the elders, but it was really extraordinary to see how all the work came together. The exhibit not only reminded me of the many wonderful memories created by the project, it also allowed me to join together with my new friends and celebrate them. I will never forget the looks on my friends' faces when they saw our creation." According to Mammarella, Anna's observation was right on the money: "The residents were mesmerized watching themselves in some of the documentaries or seeing their work on display. Their happiness filled the room."

Since NewCourtland's facilities are in the inner city, many project themes or depictions are Afrocentric. "One of the visitors to the exhibit was Justine Cox, executive director of the African American Museum in Philadelphia," relates Schimmel, "and there are plans to have the Comfort & Joy exhibit move to that venue after it leaves the Klein Gallery. In addition, there is a possibility that all or part of this exhibit may become part of the Art in City Hall project and be displayed at Philadelphia's City Hall. Needless to say, this exhibit has received attention."

"Working with the Klein Gallery has been a wonderful experience and we plan to collaborate on future intergenerational activities," says Mammarella. "Meanwhile, our Comfort & Joy program continues to grow." For example, at NewCourtland's Maplewood Manor facility, plans for a wandering garden are underway. To add interest to the path and make it their own, residents want to paint or the totems that visually describe who they are. This project has generated interest not only from school groups, but also community organizations, thereby incorporating adult participation to add a multigenerational dimension to the program.

From scouting activities to sharing the magic of music and art with their neighbors, the residents of NewCourtland's network happily give as much "comfort and joy" as they receive. Although they live in nursing homes, these seniors stay connected to life by sharing their ideas and memories with children and making them come alive--together. NH

For more information, contact Pam Mammarella, NewCourtland Elder Services, director of corporate communications and creator of the Comfort & Joy program, at (877) 769-9953, fax (215) 965-1909, e-mail info@newcourtland.org, or visit www.newcourtland.org. To comment on this article, please send e-mail to 2hoban0803@nursinghomesmagazine.com.