An artful approach to Alzheimer’s awareness
Students in art teacher Kimberly Magowan’s class at St. Agnes School in Springfield are exploring Alzheimer’s disease and turning their thoughts and reflections of the disease into works of art.
Eighth grader Claire Lavin is one of those students. Her intricate drawing and moving poem from the perspective of someone with dementia took Best in Show at a recent art showcase.
While no one in Lavin’s life has been affected, the student artist worked with her teacher to better understand and empathize with the millions of people dealing with the disease.
Magowan has personally connected with individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease, working with a local adult-day service agency and providing art therapy classes to those with dementia. Through Magowan’s education and guidance, her students are encouraged to be artistic as well as socially conscious of issues facing others in the community.
Magowan also plans to work with the Alzheimer’s Association in the future to continue to bring the Alzheimer’s cause to her students.
To learn more about getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association in the Springfield area, contact Tina Arnold at tarnold@alz.org.