Caregiver.

 

At 95 years old, my grandmother, Ruth Rose Many, had a stroke that erased much of her memory, including most memories of our family, the house she'd lived in for nearly 75 years, and how to complete activities of daily life. She was a musician, the kindergarten teacher at South Kortright Central School for 20 years, and has always been my favorite person in the world. In January 2023, I moved across the country to be Grandma's full-time caregiver. We spent almost two years together until Grandma's death in October 2024, a journey of intergenerational healing and caregiving of each other in different ways. "Caregiver" showcases my multimedia art related to caregiving, including photographs; essays about the complexity of caring for a loved one who doesn't remember me but has always been my favorite person in the world; live music; a handmade, hand-painted wedding dress; a community library of books that inspire me; and much more. It also includes quilts, books, woodworking projects, stained glass, and other artwork by members of our community, including five generations of family. 
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Press kit

Here is a link to the Caregiver art show press kit.
 

Special events

Homemade sourdough bread, tea, and local honey will be served at 2 PM each day. On all days except December 15, please join me for a 2.5-mile-nature walk at 12 PM and a piano concert 3-3:30 PM, featuring the songs I played for Grandma every night. More events coming soon.
 

Friday, November 29, 1-4 PM: Opening Reception

No RSVP required! Join us for homemade sourdough bread, tea, and local honey. Oh, and art. My mom says we might get more people to come if I say there will be wine so: there will be wine if I don't drink it all first.

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Wednesday, December 4, 7-9 PM: Open Art Night

Join me for two hours of independent art making in the living room! You're welcome to use the art supplies in my art closet—or feel free to bring your own. Please email caregiverartshow@gmail.com at least one day in advance to RSVP, so I can be sure to have enough snacks.
 

Saturday, December 14, 7-9 PM: Documentary Screening

Screening of documentary "What Time is Left," created by a grandson following his two grandmothers' very different end-of-life journies, followed by a discussion between filmmaker Dakin Henderson and paramedic and caregiver Rianna Pauline Starheim. Please email caregiverartshow@gmail.com at least one day in advance to RSVP, because the house is pretty small.

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Wednesday, December 18, 7-9 PM: Open Art Night

Join me for two hours of independent art making in the living room! You're welcome to use the art supplies in my art closet—or feel free to bring your own. Please email caregiverartshow@gmail.com at least one day in advance to RSVP, so I can be sure to have enough snacks.

 

All visits and events are free. Thank you to the Roxbury Arts Group for sponsoring this project!