We Inspire
Painting on wheels: In July, a visiting artist from
Saskatoon, Jeff Nachtigall, shared some of his
innovative techniques to help people who use
wheelchairs express themselves through painting.
CELEBRATING OUR MUSICAL CULTURE
SPARKING MEMORIES
Ranging in age from 85 to 100, the Baycrest
Terraces Musical Theatre Group recently
entertained a full house in the assembly hall at
Baycrest's assisted living facility with a spirited
performance celebrating Jewish culture.
Children's shoes, a brooch in the shape of the Star
of David, a pair of candlesticksâthese are just a
few of the artifacts used to spark the memories
and stories of Baycrest clients in an oral history
and storytelling project, Journey Through Memory.
The concert included folk songs, folklore
and a dance performed by the professional
troupe, the Nirkoda Israeli and Jewish
Dancers. Group founder and Terraces
resident Yankle Gladstone wrote the script
and directed the chorus. "We're very focused
on expressing a youthful spirit," he said.
"We are constantly celebrating life."
The project was developed by students from
the Master's of Museum Studies Program at the
University of Toronto who completed internships
with Baycrest's Department of Culture, Arts and
Innovation. The students presented the artifacts
to six clients as a means of opening up a dialogue.
Despite varying levels of cognitive ability, each
client shared stories of his or her life. These
were captured on video and made available for
viewing earlier this year in the Apotex Centre,
Jewish Home for the Aged.
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