Let’s Look has conjured up mixed reactions for me personally. The May 4 session has been the fifth session within the Pulitzer Foundation’s building. I have attended each gathering within this space, since the beginning of the program, and it’s starting to feel like an actual class. I know who the teachers are, which Cole kid is paired up with each adult, which face belongs with what nametag. I know what seems to be consistent elements in this program at this point in the course.

As I greeted the Alzheimer group in the Front Gallery, Monday, though, I noticed one participant looking at me in utter confusion. As he stared at my face, which he has seen at every session here, he seemed bewildered as if looking at a stranger. He asked for my name, which he knew before, and then said he had never seen me at the Pulitzer. It dawned on me: people are putting in their time, patience, and energy into forming and educating this group, however this assemblage of admirable and wonderful people might not remember any of these sessions. Is this worth doing? Is this something to invest time towards? Is this really having an impact? What can be gained if it cannot be retained?

In the Main Gallery, the group focused on landscape paintings. Sitting in silence, I mentally recorded the reactions of those responding as opposed to information being discussed. I noticed the bonding between the pairs. I saw the faces light up when called on to ask what they thought of a painting. I heard giggles pass throughout the occupied chairs, aligned together in front of the artwork. An hour more into the session, the Cole kids made landscapes with their buddies. Even more smiling and chatting  went on. People built with their hands; people formed new connections with one another and within their interpretations of landscape art.

I looked at the gentleman who hadn’t recognized me earlier. No looks of confusion or sadness or frustration were expressed. He never struggled to understand what occurred. He didn’t ponder on remembering factual information about the paintings discussed. He was content and focused in a positive way on creating. He was taking what was discussed in the first hour of the class and applying it to form something new.

Maybe this class isn’t about remembering or retaining old ideas but rather creating new ones. New opportunities and new experiences can be gained instead of straining to hold onto old ones. I have reassessed what determines the success of this program. Fifteen minutes before the session ended, I looked around. Beautifully created landscape collages were placed on wooden tables. People looked in admiration on what had been produced in front of them. Young and old faces glowed with satisfaction. Certainly something was gained.

Week 2 infused understanding and formal knowledge of the work while finding personal meaning and value within the paintings. The group generated discussion about struggles the figures inside the paintings may have endured that the artists tried to express.

Participants began to connect stronger with the artwork.

Exploring the content, context, and personal feelings towards these masterpieces, the program coordinators helped breakdown the symbolic elements of the paintings. Viewers discovered their own ideas and emotions with the work, finding personal ways to relate to the art.

Members of the group received letters and drawings from Cole Elementary students who they will meet next session. Eager to meet new friends, we anticipate Week 3.

Participants were enthusiastic to learn about the paintings and meet new friends.  I was partnered with a man who was eager to be a part of this group.  He was telling me about his brothers and sisters, serving time in WW2, and explaining the activities he does to keep himself in shape and healthy at this stage of his life.
     This is a group of people so excited to share and so excited to learn!  Although we did not start to examine the paintings, we started to interact with the space and explore what it can offer to those who visit this show.