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Dear Reader:
The "GIVERS" in our name has as much weight with us as "ELDERS" does. Though the seniors we serve often feel isolated by chronic illness, they still have a strong incentive to give to others. Such an impulse is crucial to our mission - Connecting the Generations.
The neat thing about Art With Elders' public exhibitions - highlighted in this issue - is that they provide a generous two-way street for this impulse. Elders share the gift of art. The public responds with the gifts of recognition, inclusion and praise. The joy of reciprocity!
Brent Nettle
Executive Director
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Excerpts from Mitch Meyer's article in the book
Embracing Art and Aging
 I was surprised when my mother, Beatrice Meyer, first told me that she was going to start to paint. As far as I knew, she had never done art work. Only a few months earlier, she had suffered debilitating strokes and had been admitted to the skilled nursing section of Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living (RCJL) in Danville. Given the shock of her sudden disability, the news that she had entered the "Discovering the Artist Within" program there and had begun to paint came as a real lift to my spirits.
Read more...
Engaging Art and Aging is available through Amazon.com.
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Betty Rothaus, Art Director
 Through creative endeavors, we bear witness, for ourselves and for others, to our shared humanity.
Betty Rothaus
Working with elders over time, teachers find that the artists' personal and artistic growth is captured in their artwork. We observe changes in their ability to perceive more clearly, to conceptualize, and to confidently make aesthetic decisions. We watch them improve their art skills: design, drawing, painting, handling of tools and materials, hand-eye coordination and sensitivity to the subject. Our art studios become spaces that foster self-perception, self-worth and self-esteem.
Read more...
You can see more of Betty's artwork at www.bettyrothaus.com.
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Meet Some of the Reutlinger Artists
 
Rose Krichiver working on a painting; with her daughter, Judy Rotman.
Rose Krichiver: I cannot conceive of living my life without art. Art has been a part of my life since I was young. When other kids went off to play, I was drawing on every sidewalk around my house. The rain would wash it away, and I would start all over again. Everything was a canvas for me. Everything I saw had unlimited possibilities in the way it could translate into pieces of art. I was drawn to anyone who expressed themselves in that way. I am lucky. When I see a painting, I see what's behind it; I see what the artist has seen.
Read more...
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Discovering the Artist Within
Reutlinger's activity program is geared towards wellness with the intention to celebrate wisdom and create present memories. Our art program, under the leadership of Betty Rothaus, is a safe, creative, inspiring space where self-expression is constantly encouraged. Our elders come through our doors with a wealth of rich diverse life-long experiences. It is our responsibility to rekindle, ignite and empower our residents.
When Reutlinger teamed up with AWE, and residents' creations were exhibited, I witnessed first hand the powerful effect this contribution had on our residents. It became obvious our elder students began to feel a greater sense of pride, respect and attained many rewards far beyond their artistic creation.
AWE has been instrumental for our elder artists to contribute to society by sharing their dreams, thoughts, and experiences for generations to come. The communication process begins in the art room, continues with relatives, peers, care givers, visitors and beyond. ELDERGIVERS and Reutlinger share the concept of breaking down the stereotypes, keeping seniors vital and integral in our community. We are grateful to collaborate with AWE. This relationship is truly a win, win for everyone!
Carol Goldman, Director of Programs
Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living
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Alameda Hospital: Mrs. Brown's Beauty
 Inez Brown has lived in the Subacute Care Unit of Alameda Hospital in Alameda, California, for over seven years. She lost her voice after an emergency tracheotomy and is unable to walk. At first, Inez was hesitant when the hospital staff suggested that she participate in the Art With Elders weekly art class, saying that she knew nothing about drawing. Then, one day, staff just wheeled her into the class. Once she started painting, she loved it. Since 2003, her art has been selected every year for the annual AWE exhibit. Discovering art for the first time at the age of 74, Inez says that she is often shocked and amazed by some of the artwork she has created.
Read more...
Visit www.mrsbrownsbeauty.com to see more of Mrs. Brown's artwork and to find out how to purchase the DVD.
Coming up Saturday, June 27, 3:00 to 5:00, at the North Oakland Senior Center is a reception and book signing party for the Elder Circle Oral HIstory Project. For more information, you can download a promotional flyer here.
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Meet and Greet!
There are two opportunities in June and July to enjoy AWE and mingle with others who appreciate elder art. For the June reception, there's the added attraction of the natural beauty of the Presidio and, in July, the unique shops of Laurel Village and Sacramento Street.
 Thursday, June 18th, 5:00 to 7:00
Thoreau Center for Sustainability
The Presidio of San Francisco
Thoreau Center Gallery
1016 Lincoln Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94129
Free and open to the public
 Thursday, July 9th, 5:30 to 7:30
San Francisco Women Artists Gallery
3489 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Free and open to the public
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Many thanks for your interest in our work. We invite you to send us any suggestions. And please feel free to share our newsletter
with your friends and family.
Sincerely,
Brent Nettle
Executive Director
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THE 17th ANNUAL EXHIBIT ON TOUR
June 1 - June 12
THE ORDWAY BUILDING LOBBY
The 17th Annual Exhibit
Mon-Fri during business hours
One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland
map
June 15 - August 2
THOREAU CENTER GALLERY
The 17th Annual Exhibit
1016 Lincoln Boulevard
The Presidio of San Francisco
map
July 6 - August 1
SAN FRANCISCO
WOMEN ARTISTS GALLERY
20 pieces from previous
Annual Exhibits
3489 Sacramento Street
San Francisco
map
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Still Life, Scott Kirkpatrick
Stella's Care Homes: Parnassus
16th Annual Exhibit
Thanks to the Following Sites for Hosting the
17th Traveling Exhibit
In Oakland:
Frank Ogawa Plaza
The Ordway Building
In San Francisco:
AgeSong's 580 Gallery
Calvary Presbyterian Church
City Hall
The New Federal Building
595 Market Street
Flax Art & Design
Koret Health and Recreation Center at Univerity of San Francisco
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
One Market Plaza
Rincon Center
San Francisco
Women Artists Gallery
Thoreau Center Gallery
War Memorial Performing Arts Center
In South San Francisco:
Genentech
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