“Before I Forget” honors people with memory loss and their caregivers through community contributions and conversations
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.
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
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.
If You Go (Calendar Items)
“Before I Forget” exhibition:
Aug. 1-Oct. 5, 2024
Opening reception: Aug. 1 (5:30-8 p.m.)
Coral Springs Museum of Art (East Gallery)
2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
Special event: Memory Gathering Session (June 22,10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Admission: Free
Abridged “Before I Forget” exhibitions:
June 3-29, 2024
Northwest Regional Library (Second Floor)
3151 N. University Drive, Coral Springs
Special event: Alzheimer’s Community Symposium (June 28 at 2 p.m.)
Admission: Free
October-November 2024
North Regional/Broward College Library
1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek
Admission: Free
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About Kristin Beck
Kristin Beck is a fiber artist and curator based in South Florida. With a focus on bookbinding, quilting, weaving, and assemblages of these substrates, her work is influenced by the vibrant culture of South Florida. Beck’s use of bold colors, recurring patterns, and strong lines reflect the energy of the subtropics. Her most recurring theme is humor, which leaves its mark on many pieces from her handmade zines and paintings to mixed media. Beck aims to bring a smile to her audience, allowing people to interact even when the art cannot be touched. To learn more, visit kristinbeck.com.
About the Coral Springs Museum of Art
Since its founding in 1997, the Coral Springs Museum of Art has been a cultural beacon serving Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties. Our mission is centered on showcasing diverse artists, including nationally recognized figures and talented local artists from Florida. We celebrate artistic expression in its various forms, from cutting-edge exhibitions to thought-provoking installations, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As a cornerstone of the Coral Springs cultural scene, we offer a diverse range of programs and events for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds. We offer a wide range of classes, workshops, and events for preschoolers, youths, teens, and adults designed to allow people to get to know other art enthusiasts, display their art skills, and learn new ones.
To learn more, visit coralspringsmuseum.org.