Memories in the Making is an Alzheimer’s Association art program which arose out of the exploration of the use of art as an alternative form of expression for people with dementia. The focus is on the process rather than the product, allowing people with dementia to experience moments of joy and a renewed sense of accomplishment and self-respect.
I accepted an invitation to participate in this year’s gala by becoming a pairing artist. As a pairing artist I was asked to vote on 30 pieces of watercolor art produced by early-stage participants in the art program from around SW Washington and Oregon. All of the art was gathered at the Portland office, where I viewed and voted for 30 pieces. At the same time of voting, I was to select the watercolor art that I wanted as inspiration for my art. Autumn is my favorite season of the year so I was immediately drawn to Ken Berglund’s watercolor Autumn Leaves. He stated on the back side of the painting:
“In an area with predominant moisture and maple. I used to hike in such places.”
Ultimately, 50 watercolor works were selected for the auction and 22 were paired with a local artist. Framing for each of the pieces was contributed by local Portland frame shops. At the gala all paired art pieces were auctioned together.
Here is an image of the watercolor created by Ken.
I think Portland Picture Frame did a beautiful job framing Ken’s work.
Here is the piece I donated to pair with Ken’s work:
Detail image:
And here are both pieces at the artist reception I went to the month before the Gala.
My eco-print of maple leaves became the natural pairing for Ken’s work. The colors of the silk noil, as well as the screen-printed silk (on the right side) echo the lovely autumn colors in the painting. The strip of cochineal-dyed silk noil on the bottom becomes the ground, and the screen-printed silk echoes the verticality of the trees. You can learn more about the creation of Maples here and here.
Of the 22 pairing artists, only one other was a fiber artist, and she created a beautiful knitted shawl. My work was the only art quilt there so I must admit to a bit of trepidation about it’s not being purchased. Happily, it went to a good home.
Simply beautiful. You have such an eye for the right amount of detail.
Thank you Jenny! High compliment, indeed.
so lovely!
Thanks Toni!
I love your work always! And this is so nice to see and hear about your paired artist as well as see the pairing of fabrics and outcome of some of your eco prints. That is how I met you, eco printing in June. Nice work, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Katherine. You are part of the history of making that piece too.
Such a great paring! Thanks for participating and sharing. Interesting concept. Your work is lovely!
Special thanks for commenting while in Ireland, Gay! Can’t believe you are keeping up with your email. I hope you are enjoying your trip as much as we did.
This is beautiful, all of it…the two pieces of art, the story, all. I’m interested to know the reaction of Ken Berglund to the pairing experience. It seems like a wonderful idea all around!
Yes, indeed, Sherry, this is a wonderful program and the participants are all happy to be a part of it. I was at the Gala last year and was the lucky recipient of Ken’s Winter Ventures which I have thoroughly enjoy every single day. Ken spoke at the Gala last year. I was sorry not to have had the chance to meet him. When I was invited to participate as a pairing artist this year, I jumped at the chance!
Thank you for showcasing my dad’s work and sharing your story! I think it looks lovely paired with your piece.
I am thrilled that you like my work with your Dad’s, Eric. And thank you so much for telling me so. I was the lucky person who took home Winter Ventures last year, paired with a beautiful vase. I enjoy that watercolor every day and I feel honored to have it.