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BIDDEFORD, Maine

Artist Donna Beveridge shares her journey with dementia in 'Not a Still Life' at the UNE Campus Center

The University of New England hosts an exhibition of watercolors entitled "Not a Still Life" by local artist Donna Beveridge at UNE's Biddeford Campus Center through May 30, 2011. 

An  opening reception will be held Friday, May 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Campus Center.

Beveridge lives a full and active life, despite a diagnosis of probable early-stage Alzheimer's.  Watercolors are the way she shares her journey with dementia, explores her emotions, and remembers her life. 

"Devastated and wondering what to do with my life after learning that I had probable early-stage Alzheimer's, I enrolled in my first-ever painting class," Beveridge explained. "With the encouragement of artist and teacher Judith Kinsman, I discovered a passion for watercolors and the courage to paint my journey with dementia.  I used to write, and I loved words."

"Through my paintings, I tell stories, explore emotions, ground myself in my life, and honor the truths of who I am. In the process, I acknowledge inevitable losses, but also discover gifts. I paint only what is personally meaningful to me. When I feel fragile, I paint life inside bubbles. When I get anxious or lose my focus, I paint turtles living mindfully.  When I lose my sense of self, I paint reflections. When I struggle, I paint the tangled neuron forest.  When I feel joy, I paint my partner and my dog. I do not view my life as a still life. Intending to live fully, I paint. Painting is the best living practice for me."

This exhibition is free and open to the public.  The Campus Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For more information, contact Diane Noble at dbmn27@maine.rr.com.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.