The artwork of dozens of professional artists as well as creative watercolor paintings from the Memories in the Making art program – created by people living with Alzheimer’s disease – will be featured in the upcoming Purple Gala event, which will be held virtually on Saturday, April 24.
Noted artists Duke Beardsley, Cheryl St. John, Cora Sexton Wheeler, Maddy O'Connell and Eric Matelski are among those who have donated pieces of their art to the online auction, which will start at 6 p.m. and conclude before 7 p.m. However, bidding is now open for a number of pieces. Participants can view the total collection of art up for auction and place bids in advance.
“The 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Purple Gala will be a fast-paced, exciting event,” said Nancy Thompson, senior director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. “We are excited to feature a special appearance by singer Jay Allen, who will perform his hit, ‘Blank Stares,’ as well as a video from former University of Denver Chancellor Dr. Rebecca Chopp, who is sharing her story of living with Alzheimer’s.”
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Memories in the Making program is an innovative initiative in which the Association trains volunteer art facilitators who lead watercolor art classes at close to 100 memory care and assisted living residences across Colorado, designed to help people living with Alzheimer’s disease find a creative outlet for the memories that, frequently, they can no longer express verbally.
Proceeds from the Purple Gala event support the information, programs and services provided at no charge to Coloradans through the Alzheimer’s Association. The Purple Gala thanks its two Purple Diamond Sponsors:
Center for Cosmetic Surgery (Heidi and Dr. Andrew Wolfe) and the
Woodley Architectural Group for making this event possible.
Participation in the Purple Gala is free, but registration is required to bid on the auction. To register, go to
alz.org/co. For more information, contact
Nancy Thompson at 303-813-1669, ext. 9649.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.