St. Petersburg, FL (January 25, 2024) – The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art proudly unveils Art in Mind, an innovative initiative developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College. The program is aimed at providing an accessible arts experience for adults with dementia and marks a significant step forward in the museum’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and community engagement through the transformative power of art. Through the generosity provided by our donors, this program is offered for free to those who most benefit. To learn more about the program, visit https://thejamesmuseum.org/artinmind/

The launch of Art in Mind follows the success of the Healing Arts Honors Capstone class at USF in the spring of 2023 held at The James Museum. Under the guidance of Dr. Catherine Wilkins, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Instruction at USF, St. Petersburg, and Julie Matus, Director of Education and Public Programs at The James Museum, 16 students learned best practices for facilitating gallery tours for adults with memory loss. The program has already forged partnerships with local assisted living facilities and conducted a pilot program that showcases the potential impact of Art in Mind.

In conjunction with Dr. Wilkins, Art in Mind focuses on training museum docents and students to facilitate gallery tours for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their caregivers. Participants engage in non-biased, non-judgmental discussion-based tours modeled after and based on the research-backed Meet Me at MoMA, the first program for adults with dementia developed by The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The program’s multi-generational approach also involves USF students who completed the Healing Arts course, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both students and participants.

“This collaboration with The James Museum is an exciting opportunity for our Honors College students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting,” said Dr. Catherine Wilkins. “By participating in the Art in Mind program, they are not only gaining valuable experience but also contributing to the well-being of individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia.”

With Florida having the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older and Alzheimer’s diagnoses expected to rise by over 24% by 2025, according to a 2020 report published by the Alzheimer’s Association, there is an urgent need for resources designed for dementia patients. To address the increased demand for programs such as Art in Mind in Pinellas County and beyond, the program actively collaborates with community organizations and assisted living facilities to create meaningful experiences for those affected by dementia through trips to The James Museum.

“Art in Mind exemplifies our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of our community,” said Julie Matus. “By combining the expertise of our docents, the enthusiasm of USF students and the power of art to foster connections, we aim to create meaningful experiences for those affected by dementia and related conditions.”

By offering a space for connection, expression and enjoyment through the transformative power of art, Art in Mind at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.

Through the generosity provided by our donors, this program is offered for free to those who most benefit.