Memory Connections is a free program for people living with dementia and their caregivers. On the second Thursday of every month, trained teaching artists and special performers facilitate an online experience designed to promote engagement between participants and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region.
The program begins with 30 minutes of close looking, discussion, and interpretation of traditional and contemporary Himalayan art. Our experienced teaching artists present objects from the Museum’s collection in a way that is stimulating and interactive, encouraging conversation among participants and cultivating community. We then invite a different special performer each month to guide participants through an activity that supports their physical, mental, and/or emotional well-being. Examples include mindfulness meditation, yoga, healing practices, poetry writing, vocal performances, and art therapy, among others.
This program series will run through August 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th street building on October 6 and transforming into a global museum.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
Memory Connections is a free program for people living with dementia and their caregivers. On the second Thursday of every month, trained teaching artists and special performers facilitate an online experience designed to promote engagement between participants and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region.
In addition to an in-depth look at two artworks from the Museum’s collection, the July program features Magda Kaczmarska, a dance artist and creative-aging thought leader, who teaches participants how to use movement as a form of storytelling. All activities can be done seated or standing.
Memory Connections will run through August 2024. On October 6, the Rubin will close the galleries on 17th Street and transform into a global museum model.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Magda Kaczmarska is a dance artist and creative-aging thought leader living in New York City. She received her MFA in dance performance and choreography and her BS in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from the University of Arizona. She brings 10 years working in neuropharmacology research and over 15 years in community-based education settings in dance and creative expression for persons of all ages, specifically older adults, to her practice. Magda founded DanceStream Projects, a creative collective based in New York City, dedicated to building a healthy, expressive, and inclusive community through transdisciplinary partnerships that center the vehicle of dance as a catalyst for systems change. Through DanceStream Projects, Magda created several award-winning programs, including Stories in the Moment, which applies evidence-informed approaches to extend brain health to older adults and people living with dementia through co-creative dance while amplifying their creative voice.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
Memory Connections is a free program for people living with dementia and their caregivers. On the second Thursday of every month, trained teaching artists and special performers facilitate an online experience designed to promote engagement between participants and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region.
In addition to an in-depth look at two artworks from the Museum’s collection, the June program features Dr. Jetsun Cheme, a traditional Tibetan medicine practitioner and yoga instructor, who will lead participants in a seated yoga activity for mental healing.
This program series will run through August 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th Street building on October 6 and transforming into a global museum.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Jetsun Cheme is a traditional Tibetan medicine doctor and yoga instructor in New York. She has studied Tibetan Buddhist philosophy since she was eight years old. She graduated from Mentsee Khang, Dharamsala, India, in 1998 with a degree in Tibetan medicine. After graduation, she made several medical tours to Nepal, Brazil, and India, serving the Tibetan Government Mentsee Khang Center for five years until 2003. She moved to the United States in 2004 and settled in New York. Since 2004 she has served the Tibetan community of New York and New Jersey as well as the local diverse community through her knowledge of traditional Tibetan medicine and yoga healing practices.
As a result of her work, she hopes to promote and bring awareness about Tibetan medicine and the rich Tibetan culture. She is passionate about benefiting others through her knowledge and experience, regardless of race, color, religion, culture, and background.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
Memory Connections is a free monthly program that promotes engagement between adults living with dementia and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region. Join Rubin Museum staff and teaching artists for an hour of close looking, discussion, and interpretation of traditional and contemporary Himalayan art. This program takes place online via Zoom.
In addition to an in-depth look at two artworks from the Museum’s collection, the May program features Tracy Cochran, a meditation teacher, author, and guide who will lead participants in an engaging meditation exercise.
This program series will run through August 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th street building on October 6 and transforming into a global museum.
About the Speaker
Tracy Cochran has been a student and teacher of meditation and spiritual practice for decades. She is the founder of the Hudson River Sangha, which is now virtual and is open to all. The link for her weekly meditations can be found on her website: tracycochran.org. Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at the Rubin Museum of Art and the New York Insight Meditation Center. In addition, Tracy has taught mindfulness meditation and mindful writing at schools, corporations, and other venues worldwide. She is also a writer and the editorial director of Parabola, an acclaimed quarterly magazine that seeks to bring timeless spiritual wisdom to the burning questions of the day. Her writings, podcasts, and other details can be found on her website and on parabola.org.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
On the third Thursday of every month through June 27, 2024, join the Rubin’s community of caregivers for a free, in-person program of art and connection. Guided by art in the collection, Rubin docents and staff lead close looking, creative exercises, and engaging discussion in the galleries. The program begins with a tour and conversation, which explore how contemporary and traditional Buddhist artworks can inspire new perspectives and pathways to empowerment. Participants are invited to consider the power dynamics in their own lives and open their minds to a different understanding of their own agency. We also examine concepts of interdependence and fluidity by listening to the stories and teachings of historical Buddhist figures.
Participants are joined this month by Olivia Cohen, the director of early-stage and engagement services at CaringKind, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Rubin’s partnership with CaringKind provides caregivers the opportunity to speak with a professional who is specifically trained to address their questions, share valuable advice, and support their wellbeing.
The tour is followed by a gathering in the café, where participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and lively conversation to build connections and strengthen the caregiver community. This event is intended for caregivers and not for persons with dementia.
The Empowering Caregivers program will run through June 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th Street building on October 6.
Program Consultant
Olivia Cohen, MS, MT-BC, LCAT is the director of early-stage and engagement services at CaringKind, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Olivia is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist with over 12 years of experience working in long-term care, healthcare, and with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She has presented at regional music therapy conferences and the national LeadingAge Expo. Her work has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Huffington Post, Chasing News, and Aging Today. Additionally, she has co-authored a chapter in the book Creative Arts Therapies and the LGBTQ Community.
Major support for Empowering Caregivers is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
On the third Thursday of every month through June 27, 2024, join the Rubin’s community of caregivers for a free, in-person program of art and connection. Guided by art in the collection, Rubin docents and staff lead close looking, creative exercises, and engaging discussion in the galleries. The program begins with a tour and conversation, which explore how contemporary and traditional Buddhist artworks can inspire new perspectives and pathways to empowerment. Participants are invited to consider the power dynamics in their own lives and open their minds to a different understanding of their own agency. We also examine concepts of interdependence and fluidity by listening to the stories and teachings of historical Buddhist figures.
Participants are joined each month by Meredith Wong, the director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, New York City’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. Connect2culture® creates and promotes interactive, non-clinical opportunities for people living with dementia and their caregivers by collaborating with cultural organizations throughout the city. The Rubin’s partnership with CaringKind provides caregivers the opportunity to speak with a professional who is specifically trained to address their questions, share valuable advice, and support their wellbeing.
The tour is followed by a gathering in the café, where participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and lively conversation to build connections and strengthen the caregiver community. This event is intended for caregivers and not for persons with dementia.
The Empowering Caregivers program will run through June 2024 and end in advance of the Rubin closing the 17th street building on October 6.
Program Consultant
Meredith Wong, director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, is a museum educator who has helped to develop access programs for adults with disabilities in museums through training and education. Raising awareness about the needs of families impacted by dementia, she educates cultural professionals on how to engage people living with dementia and their care partners through shared guided experiences.
Meredith is a native New Yorker who serves as a resource for dementia-friendly cultural programming in the lively cultural life of the city. She has presented at art and disability conferences to museum professionals and families interested in this specialized programming in museums, the performing arts, and botanical gardens. She earned a BA in art history from Goucher College and an MAT in museum education from George Washington University.
Major support for Empowering Caregivers is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
On the third Thursday of every month, join the Rubin’s community of caregivers for a free, in-person program of art and connection. Guided by art in the collection, Rubin docents and staff lead close looking, creative exercises, and engaging discussion in the galleries. The program begins with a tour and conversation, which explore how contemporary and traditional Buddhist artworks can inspire new perspectives and pathways to empowerment. Participants are invited to consider the power dynamics in their own lives and open their minds to a different understanding of their own agency. We also examine concepts of interdependence and fluidity by listening to the stories and teachings of historical Buddhist figures.
Participants are joined each month by Meredith Wong, the director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, New York City’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. Connect2culture® creates and promotes interactive, non-clinical opportunities for people living with dementia and their caregivers by collaborating with cultural organizations throughout the city. The Rubin’s partnership with CaringKind provides caregivers the opportunity to speak with a professional who is specifically trained to address their questions, share valuable advice, and support their wellbeing.
The tour is followed by a gathering in the café, where participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and lively conversation to build connections and strengthen the caregiver community. This event is intended for caregivers and not for persons with dementia.
Program Consultant
Meredith Wong, director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, is a museum educator who has helped to develop access programs for adults with disabilities in museums through training and education. Raising awareness about the needs of families impacted by dementia, she educates cultural professionals on how to engage people living with dementia and their care partners through shared guided experiences.
Meredith is a native New Yorker who serves as a resource for dementia-friendly programming in the lively cultural life of the city. She has presented at art and disability conferences to museum professionals and families interested in this specialized programming in museums, the performing arts, and botanical gardens. She earned a BA in art history from Goucher College and an MAT in museum education from George Washington University.
Major support for Empowering Caregivers is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Memory Connections is a free monthly program that promotes engagement between adults living with dementia and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region. Join Rubin Museum staff and teaching artists for an hour of close looking, discussion, and interpretation of traditional and contemporary Himalayan art. This program takes place online via Zoom.
In addition to an in-depth look at two artworks from the Museum’s collection, the April program includes a yoga session with Angela Palma, a certified yoga and meditation teacher. Adults with memory loss and their caregivers are susceptible to both physical and mental imbalance, which can affect their overall health. Yoga can help counteract these negative effects by restoring balance in the physical body as well as improving mental and spiritual health. When you have restored your balance, you can provide better care for yourself and others.
Participants can expect mindful breathing, seated poses, and balance practices in this program. Movement variations will be offered for those with limited mobility. This program takes place online via Zoom.
Angela Palma is a certified yoga and meditation teacher who promotes a universal love of yoga and encourages compassion toward all beings. She started practicing yoga as a student in 2019 and fell in love with the philosophy and what it means to be a yogi. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2023 at the Cape Cod Yoga School in Mashpee, MA. Additionally, she has a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s in health promotion. Combining her educational background and yoga knowledge, she leads accessible, productive, safe, and fun classes for all.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
On the third Thursday of every month, join the Rubin’s community of caregivers for a free, in-person program of art and connection. Guided by art in the collection, Rubin docents and staff lead close looking, creative exercises, and engaging discussion in the galleries. The program begins with a tour and conversation, which explore how contemporary and traditional Buddhist artworks can inspire new perspectives and pathways to empowerment. Participants are invited to consider the power dynamics in their own lives and open their minds to a different understanding of their own agency. We also examine concepts of interdependence and fluidity by listening to the stories and teachings of historical Buddhist figures.
The tour is followed by a gathering in the café, where participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and lively conversation to build connections and strengthen the caregiver community. Participants are joined each month by Meredith Wong, the director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, New York City’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. Connect2culture® creates and promotes interactive, non-clinical opportunities for people living with dementia and their caregivers by collaborating with cultural organizations throughout the city. The Rubin’s partnership with CaringKind provides caregivers the opportunity to speak with a professional who is specifically trained to address their questions, share valuable advice, and support their wellbeing.
This event is intended for caregivers and not for persons with dementia.
Program Consultant
Meredith Wong, director of connect2culture® at CaringKind, is a museum educator who has helped to develop access programs for adults with disabilities in museums through training and education. Raising awareness about the needs of families impacted by dementia, she educates cultural professionals on how to engage people living with dementia and their care partners through shared guided experiences.
Meredith is a native New Yorker who serves as a resource for dementia-friendly cultural programming in the lively cultural life of the city. She has presented at art and disability conferences to museum professionals and families interested in this specialized programming in museums, the performing arts, and botanical gardens. She earned a BA in art history from Goucher College and an MAT in museum education from George Washington University.
Major support for Empowering Caregivers is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Memory Connections is a free monthly program that promotes engagement between adults living with dementia and the art and cultures of the Himalayan region. Join Rubin Museum staff and teaching artists for an hour of close looking, discussion, and interpretation of traditional and contemporary Himalayan art. This program takes place online via Zoom.
In addition to an in-depth look at two artworks from the Museum’s collection, the March program includes a discussion and guided meditation with certified mindfulness instructor Kimberly Brown. Through Buddhist teachings and contemporary mindfulness techniques, Kimberly will help attendees develop their inherent qualities of kindness, compassion, and good sense.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Kimberly Brown is a meditation teacher and author. She leads classes and retreats that emphasize the power of compassion and kindness meditation to reconnect us to ourselves and others. Her teachings provide an approachable pathway to personal and collective well-being through effective and modern techniques based on traditional practices. She studies in both the Tibetan and Insight schools of Buddhism and is a certified mindfulness instructor. Her latest book, Navigating Grief and Loss: 25 Buddhist Practices to Keep Your Heart Open to Yourself and Others, was published in November 2022, and an updated edition of Steady, Calm, and Brave was released in January 2023. Both are published by Prometheus Books. You can learn more about Kimberly on her website.
Major support for Memory Connections is provided by the Mellon Foundation with additional support from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Image: Detail of Arapachana Manjushri; Kham Province, Eastern Tibet; 19th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.464 (HAR 925)
On the first Thursday of every month, the Rubin Museum of Art welcomes adults 65 and older to receive free admission to the Museum (regularly $14). Browse our current and upcoming exhibitions to plan your next visit.
Before or after you visit the galleries, join us for Mindfulness Meditation in the theater at 1:00 PM. Tickets are not included in the Senior Thursday admission. Learn more and buy your ticket.
The Rubin Museum’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as by generous donations from the Museum’s Board of Trustees, individual donors, and members.
Photo by Liz Ligon, 2023
On the first Thursday of every month, the Rubin Museum of Art welcomes adults 65 and older to receive free admission to the Museum (regularly $14). Browse our current and upcoming exhibitions to plan your next visit.
Before or after you visit the galleries, join us for Mindfulness Meditation in the theater at 1:00 PM. Tickets are not included in the Senior Thursday admission. Learn more and buy your ticket.
The Rubin Museum’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as by generous donations from the Museum’s Board of Trustees, individual donors, and members.