SE Valley Times

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler Museum will host the exhibition “Portraits of Dementia” from Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 6.

Globally, more than 50 million people live with dementia. In the United States, one in three seniors is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia at the time of their death. Despite its prevalence, dementia remains a taboo subject with limited public awareness and discourse. “Portraits of Dementia” aims to destigmatize those living with dementia through evocative portraits and narratives of lives well-lived.

Artist Joe Wallace, a portrait photographer and storyteller for 20 years, has a personal connection to dementia. His maternal grandfather and hero, Joe Jenkins, had Alzheimer’s disease; his maternal grandmother had vascular dementia; and his mother has recently begun her journey with the disease. Wallace expressed frustration with the common narrative surrounding dementia that often focuses solely on futility, despair, and loss.

“These are real and important elements of the dementia journey,” Wallace said. “But focusing only on the narrowest of views does very little to change the stigma associated with those living with the disease.” He emphasized that showing both the challenges and positive aspects is crucial for fostering understanding and encouraging societal change.

Wallace’s photographs depict not only fear and loss but also love, connection, dignity, and humanity in individuals affected by dementia as well as their care partners and families. This comprehensive portrayal seeks to evolve the narrative around dementia toward positive social change.

Carrie Salter-Richardson, who has been diagnosed with dementia, hopes that sharing her story will initiate conversations about ending the stigma associated with the disease. “Just maybe I can bring a new face to Alzheimer’s so people know that it can happen to anybody, not just the elderly,” she said.

Beth Soltzberg, director of Alzheimer's/Related Disorders Family Support Program at Jewish Family and Children’s Service stated: “People living with dementia must be seen as people first, not as their disease...Joe’s vivid photographs remind us of our shared humanity as well as the uniqueness of each person.”

The exhibition will be on view at Chandler Museum located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive from Sept. 3 to Oct. 6, 2024. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1-5 p.m., and closed on Mondays; admission is free.

For more information on exhibitions and programming at Chandler Museum or by calling 480-782-2717.

“Portraits of Dementia” is organized by ExhibitsUSA under Mid-America Arts Alliance which tours over twenty-five exhibitions annually across more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities.