The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is pleased to announce a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter with a new program, “Meet Me at FWMoA.” The program is designed to provide individuals with an early stage diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia a way to experience the visual arts in a way that meets their needs.
This new program is modeled after the Museum of Modern Art’s “Meet Me at MoMA” program, which was authored by the New York City museum during its Alzheimer’s project initiative from 2007-2014. From that project, MoMA developed training materials to be adapted at museums across the country, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). With such success in Indianapolis, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter staff felt the program could be successful in Fort Wayne.
"People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease have such a strong desire to be in the community and to have meaning in their lives, but there is a level of fear," said Lori Stock, Alzheimer’s Association Care Consultant. "When given an opportunity to be in a group setting with others affected by memory loss, it may tear down the feeling of isolation. The art museum is for everyone, and each individual can view a piece of art in a different way. I believe this new program with the Alzheimer’s Association can bring back a sense of normalcy that Alzheimer’s disease might take away from those affected."
The partnership comes at a time when FWMoA is expanding its reach to underserved audiences. Although FWMoA serves adults and children of all ages amply, its services to adults have not to this point included programs specifically tailored to individuals whose needs may change as they age.
The new “Meet Me at FWMoA” program will offer monthly tours featuring artworks that have been chosen by specially trained museum staff. People who are interested in attending the tours must be pre-screened through the Fort Wayne office of the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 800.272.3900. Tours are free of charge for participants and their care partners and will take place the third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m., each lasting about an hour. The program at FWMoA has been funded through a grant by the 80/20 Foundation.
About the Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Beginning with art classes in 1888 given by J. Ottis Adams and later William Forsyth, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art has evolved into a center for the visual arts community in Northeast Indiana. Regularly exhibiting regional and nationally acclaimed artists, the FWMoA also boasts an extensive permanent collection of American Art, including the Steven Sorman Archives and more than 300 pieces of Brilliant Cut Glass. The Museum is committed to the collection, preservation, presentation and interpretation of American and related art to engage broad and diverse audiences throughout the community and region, and add value to their lives. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is a funded partner of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne. This activity made possible, in part, with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/indiana or call 800.272.3900.
