Newport Beach artist featured in AlzOC 's Memories in the Making®

The artwork of Newport Beach resident Jeanne Koch is featured in an online, virtual art exhibit and silent auction presented by Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC). The nonprofit’s poignant 2021 Memories in the Making® Collection was created by program participants like 92-year-old Jeanne, who has a watercolor in the show.

The online auction concludes April 9, 2021. Greeting cards featuring art from the collection are on sale now. Purchases will benefit AlzOC’s support services and the signature art program. To view the artwork, and learn more about the artists, visit https://www.alzoc.org/mim-2021/

Born in Illinois, Jeanne is the oldest of six children. While working at the phone company, Jeanne enjoyed many artistic activities: painting, acrylics, knitting, crocheting, sewing and cake decorating. Hawaii or anywhere with an ocean view was where Jeanne wanted to be when she could get away.

Reflecting on her 92 years on this Earth, she advises we all have a great outlook on life, always keep love in our hearts, and have fun, perhaps as reflected in her untitled piece that features a colorful pink flamingo. Subject matter for the exhibit’s 28 pieces done by Orange County artists ranges from nature, seascapes and desertscapes to still lifes, pets, wildlife and more.

The art program was created to provide a meaningful activity for persons with dementia, while focusing on creative expression as a form of communication. When the disease affects language, art becomes a more suitable form of expression. With the stroke of a paintbrush, participants are able to express themselves, often painting memories from long ago or images that represent their hobbies and passions.

Prior to the challenges of COVID-19, classes were offered at adult day centers, such as South County Adult Day Services In Laguna Woods, and memory care communities. Fortunately, participation can also be a one-on-one activity through an in-home care agency or with loved ones in the comfort and safety of home.

“People with Alzheimer's are often able to reach outside of their dementia to paint a picture that reconnects them with a past memory, demonstrating that the essence of these individuals is still there,” said AlzOC CEO and President Jim McAleer.

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About Alzheimer’s Orange County

Alzheimer’s Orange County provides programs and services that span the continuum of care of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia to Orange County, California residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including older adults and frail seniors, along with their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer’s Orange County began as an independent 501c3 nonprofit in 1982 with a primary mission of providing care and support for those impacted with dementia and their caregivers in Orange County. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844-373-4400, or visit www.alzoc.org. Find Alzheimer’s Orange County on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.