Long Island Museum’s new exhibit features work by local veterans
The 11th Annual “Through Our Eyes” exhibition at the Long Island Museum (LIM) will be on view in the Costigan Gallery of LIM’s Art Museum, located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook, from November 6 through December 21.
The exhibition is part of LIM’s “In the Moment” programming designed to creatively engage those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss and their care partners, and features artwork from 10 local artists who are part of the Long Island State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Program at Stony Brook University (LISVH ADHC).
“We are so happy to be partnering with the Long Island State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Program on this exhibition and are excited for the community to have the opportunity to see the artwork that has been created by program participants and see how aging and memory loss can’t take away creativity,” said Samantha O’Rourke, senior educator at the Long Island Museum and curator of the “Through Our Eyes” exhibition. “Each piece of artwork on display in this exhibition was created by these artists to share their ideas and feelings, and we are honored to showcase their beautiful work within our Art Museum.”
More than 30 pieces of works of art will be on view at the exhibition, with photographic portraits and artist statements presented alongside each work to provide a richer context and a deeper connection with both the piece and artist. Artists created their pieces in various ways, with some working with art therapists and some working with staff and professional care partners to create their art, at both LISVH ADHC and at the Long Island Museum as part of the museum’s “In the Moment” programming.
November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month, and the “Through Our Eyes” exhibition intends to highlight programs that have a positive impact on local veterans and the important role that the arts can play in helping people as they face the physical and cognitive effects of aging.
“Our program participants love being able to express themselves through their artwork, and we are so happy to be working with the LIM to support them creatively and foster the role that art can play to enhance their lives,” said Beth Schaeffler, therapeutic recreation supervisor at LISVH ADHC. “This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for our program participants to showcase their artwork, share pride in the work they created with their family and friends, and share their work with the entire community in a museum gallery setting here on Long Island.”
Since its inception in 2011, more than 5,200 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss have benefited from the “In the Moment” program. Learn more about the “Through Our Eyes” exhibition and the LIM’s “In the Moment” program, including a complete schedule of upcoming “In the Moment” programs and events at longislandmuseum.org.
