I'm Still Here: The Alzheimer's Story
Exhibit by photographer Laura Crosby
and poet Anne Simpson
Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, April 22
Opening Reception: March 22, 6-8pm
Photographer Laura Crosby and poet Anne Simpson, whose husband had early-onset Alzheimer's disease, have collaborated to create an exhibit of photographs and poems about dementia. Titled “I'm Still Here,” the purpose of the exhibit is to show the humanity of the patients and their need for compassionate care at many levels. In addition, the photographs and poems serve to educate the public about dementia, to celebrate the dignity of those afflicted by it and to honor their caregivers.
The Photographer: Laura Crosby’s photographs document the lives and dignity of people marginalized by illness and cultural position including: the homeless, refugees, victims of domestic violence, adolescent prostitutes, and patients with anorexia, bulimia and Alzheimer’s. Her work is exhibited nationally and has been used in award-winning documentary films. She works in a black and white format for its graphic power. Her artistic intention is threefold: to find appropriate access, to engage with compassion, and to be an effective advocate.
The Poet: Anne Simpson has published poems and essays in various magazines and chapbooks. In 1999, she co-wrote the book Through the Wilderness of Alzheimer's: A Guide in Two Voices, with her husband Bob. In 2008, her poetry collection, Growing Down: Poems for an Alzheimer’s Patient, was published. Her poetry is also included in the 2005 anthology, The Moon Rolls out of Our Mouths. For many years she and Bob lived on the north shore of Lake Superior. Bob died in 2011. Anne now lives in St. Paul. It is not the abundant gold of summer that comforts us now nor the amber harvest but a suspicion of daffodils.
- Anne Simpson
WHEN: Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, April 22 - open weekdays from 9am-8pm and weekends from 10am to 7pm. Opening Reception on Tuesday, March 22, 6-8pm, includes conversation with Laura Crosby and Anne Simpson from 7-7:30pm.
WHERE: Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
