New Art Exhibit Explores Memory and Identity

Community Memory Quilt at the
Coral Springs Museum of Art

(Press Release) Coral Springs, Fla. (June 12, 2024) — A new solo exhibition at the Coral Springs Museum of Art this summer will explore one of humanity’s most important questions--who are we without our memories?

South Florida fiber artist and curator Kristin M. Beck reflected on this complex question while caring for her father, who is one of 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, according to the World Health Organization. 

Inspired by her experiences, Beck’s solo exhibition “Before I Forget” explores memory and identity while raising community awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. “Before I Forget” is made possible thanks to the support of the Broward County Cultural Division’s Artist Support Grant.

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​Featuring works in textiles, fiber, video, paper, ink and paint, the exhibition will be on view Aug. 1-Oct. 5, 2024, with an opening reception on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will include interactive elements like a Memory Station and a replica of a bus stop, which represents going home—an idea that resonates with some people with advanced stages of the disease. In this space, visitors can write down what home means to them and add to the art piece. Admission is free.

“When I moved my dad from his apartment to an assisted living facility, I had to take over his life, which can be complicated. I had not absorbed the depth of his declining memory until I started to take care of him,” said Kristin Beck. “One of my best coping mechanisms is to create art. I created a body of work in response to caring for my dad, which has helped me in myriad ways. I hope to remind others with similar experiences that they are not alone, and that we can find beauty in the moments of lucidity we share—until we no longer can.”

"We are proud to welcome Kristin Beck and her compelling artworks to the Coral Springs Museum of Art this summer,” said Juliana Forero, PhD, Arts & Culture Programs Manager for the City of Coral Springs. "The shared human experience of memory loss is not an easy topic to showcase—but it is important, and Kristin does it with the highest levels of creativity, authenticity, and care. We can't wait to share this solo exhibition with our community."

Community Involvement Sparks Awareness
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As part of Beck's commitment to raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s, “Before I Forget” invites the community to join the exhibition’s community memory quilt project, coinciding with the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day. Last month, participants wrote down memories on pieces of fabric or shared meaningful fabrics, like a favorite shirt.

On Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m., the public can attend this free event to see the quilt’s progress and contribute more memories. The finished Memory Quilt will be displayed in the exhibition.

In addition to the solo exhibition in partnership with the museum, two condensed versions will occur this year in partnership with the Broward County Library. The first will be at the Northwest Regional Library now through June 29, 2024. In honor of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, the branch will host an Alzheimer's Community Symposium on Friday, June 28 at 2 p.m., welcoming medical professionals, therapists and providers, and community members (including Beck) to discuss the latest research findings, innovative approaches to care, and the complexities of caring for loved ones.

The second exhibit will take place starting this October at the North Regional/Broward College Library. It will also include programming and a “memory cafe” for people with dementia and their caregivers. The cafe will foster a safe comfortable space for people experiencing memory loss to connect with others.

“Before I Forget” is made possible with support from the Broward County Cultural Division’s Artist Support Grant.

For more information about the exhibition and community programs at the museum, visit coralspringsmuseum.org. For information about the “Before I Forget” exhibitions and programs at the Broward County Library, visit broward.org/library.