Art can intrigue and engage people at any stage of life, as a new program at the Gippsland Art Gallery has proven.

While the Gallery offers a range of programs, activities and tours for everyone from kindergarten age to visitors of advanced years, the ‘Art & Elders’ program at the Gallery is connecting a group of elderly residents from the Royal Freemasons in Sale with its current exhibitions and displays.

‘Art and Elders’ is an initiative of Royal Freemasons and Gallery staff, who together with volunteer guide Julie Rosewarne Foster, and carers Jasmine Crack, and Pamela Bruder offer an opportunity that engages a group of enthusiastic senior citizens on the second Tuesday of every month in the gallery.

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Image Caption: Royal Freemasons ‘Art & Elders’ group at the Gippsland Art Gallery with volunteer guides Julie Rosewarne Foster and Claire Cogan

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The program has been a great success at the Gallery. In a relaxed volunteer-led guided tour the group look at a range of selected artworks on display and invites a personal exchange of ideas and associations in an informal way.

Jasmine Crack says, ‘The program is dementia specific, and is a specialised program by Royal Freemasons to contribute to the lives of our residents with memory impairment.’

Artworks that have a particular story or message are always popular and provoke imaginative responses. The art of Annemieke Mein is a regular favourite.

The session provides more than a look at the artworks. It lifts the spirits of everyone involved. It’s a social get-together, and a chance to experience the stimulation that talking about art can promote.

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