The Esther M. Klein Art Gallery is pleased to introduce NewCourtland Elder Services, a network of six nursing homes for frail elders throughout Philadelphia, and the unveiling of an unprecedented exhibit that showcases the bonds that can develop when two generations come together using art and culture as common platforms. Entitled "Comfort and Joy, ™ Celebrating Intergenerational Artistic Achievement," the exhibit is the first at the Esther M. Klein Gallery at the University City Science Center that features the combined efforts of nursing home residents and Philadelphia school children. The exhibit opens on June 2 and runs through July 2 and is free to the public.

The ground-breaking exhibit is the culmination of five years of the NewCourtland Comfort and Joy initiative where students from Philadelphia schools join NewCourtland residents to participate in art and cultural projects. Comfort & Joy connects residents with different generations and reconnects them to the larger community in which they strive to remain a vital part. In working with innovative companies such as Melodyvision, Inc., a full-service music, sound and video production company and recording studio, the program has both art and entertainment initiatives.

"Pennsylvania has the second largest elder population in the country, and many of them live in urban areas. There are huge challenges for often overburdened, under-resourced urban nursing homes to provide stimulating programs that nurture the spirits and emotional health of their residents," said Dr. Jerry Johnson, professor of medicine and director the Center for Excellence on Minority Health at the University of Pennsylvania.

"NewCourtland's Comfort and Joy program is a terrific example of how an organization can make a concerted, consistent effort to hold programs that tend to their residents' mind, body and spirit. And the fact that the public can see it and can start to understand that seniors have a great deal to contribute to our society, especially to our youngsters, is invaluable. I say congratulations to all the residents and children who participated."

The projects exhibited include:
Golden Eagle Boy Scout Program "Healing Quilt"
Mosaic Murals Photography Project
Doll Project Joy & Wisdom: Sharing Elders Stories
Sacred Village and Doll Making Program Stop Action Animation
Voice of Ages Intergenerational Choir Talking Quilts - HBO Family presentation
Intergenerational Audio Moments - WHYY Shorts presentation
Art is Ageless

"We are extremely honored at the opportunity to have our five-year program showcased at the Klein Gallery," said Gail Kass, NewCourtland president and CEO. "We hope our example will lead to other long-term care residents having the opportunity to participate in programs such as Comfort and Joy that help eliminate loneliness, hopelessness and boredom in their lives."

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New Courtland vision