Alzheimer’s Association Art Auction Draws Broncos and New Supporters

Alzheimer's Association Art Auction Draws Broncos and New Supporters

Posted: Lisa Perry

When emcee Kim Christiansen asked how many of the 800 attendees at this year’s Memories in the Making Art Auction were new to the event, at least half raised their hand. Admittedly, there was a curiosity factor that helped sell tickets—this was the first event ever held at the Denver Broncos’ brand-new fieldhouse, and former and current players and coaches were there. Pat Bowlen’s daughter Beth Bowlen Wallace was event chair. But even those who may have come for the Broncos factor inevitably were drawn into reason for the event: the incredible talent of the Alzheimer’s-afflicted artists and their poignant stories.

(l to r): Erin and Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, with event chair Beth Bowlen Wallace and John Wallace

The evening began with a cocktail reception and extensive silent auction of the displayed artwork of 100 artists from the Memories in the Making program—individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Some paintings were paired with the work of a professional artist. The auction also included a collection of palettes creatively painted by the pros, and there was a small selection of reproductions of displayed artwork—those who missed out on a silent-auction favorite could own a replica for a $50 donation. Epicurean Catering servers circulated with passed hors d’oeuvres, and there were a number of buffet stations lining the vast dining area, along with fully stocked bars.

Palettes creatively embellished by professional artists were up for bid.

Event chair Bowlen Wallace spoke to the crowd about her father and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, asking the crowd to remember his accomplishments rather than his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Then auctioneers Chuck and Bryson Miller entertained the crowd and enticed high bids during the live auction of artwork. Among the pieces up for bid was a Pat Bowlen tribute to his Broncos success story, created by iconic Denver sports cartoonist Drew Litton—amazingly, the cartoon was published the day before the public announcement regarding Bowlen’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The signed artwork, which became the signature piece of the event, was purchased by Bowlen Wallace for $7,000, while Litton looked on in the audience. At auction’s end, dessert for this crowd was nothing short of spectacular: a 5×5-foot opera cake donated by Bar Red.

Memories in the Making (MIM) is a creative art expression program for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Some people with dementia have lost the ability to use words, and through painting are often able to express thoughts and emotions, and to share beloved memories. The MIM experience offers an opportunity for the essence of who they are and what they care about to shine through. All of the proceeds from the auction help fund programs and services at the Alzheimer’s Assocation of Colorado. For more information, please visit: alz.org/co .

: (l to r): Board member Dan and Barbara Thomas, with Ken Neeper, spouse of Linda Mitchell, President and CEO

: (l to r): Denise Fisher, Jackie Hawkins and Kelly Hesser

: Auctioneers Chuck (left) and Bryson Miller

: (l to r): Terrie Pierce, Broncos wide receiver Cody Latimer, Broncos defensive end Kenny Anunike, event chair Beth Bowlen Wallace and Gwenivere Snyder

: (l to r): Nkin Suwannakorn, Joe Cohen and Suwannakorn

: MIM art instructor Shelley Hitt

: (l to r): Kim Pipkin, with Shelley and Larry Hitt

: Considering a bit at the art auction

: Juliana Young (left) and Shaun Stone

: Artist Bob Cedillo stands proudly by his creation with Linda Detwiler

: (l to r): Erin and Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, with event chair Beth Bowlen Wallace and John Wallace

: (l to r): Kevin and Stafani Roth, with Kathy and Tim VanMeter

: (l to r): Kevin and Stefani Roth, Kathy and Tim VanMeter, and Larry and Sharon Berkowitz

: The MIM art show and auction was the first event held at the Broncos’ new fieldhouse.

: Sampling passed hors d’oeuvres from Epicurean Catering

: Guests had a spectrum of beverage options.

: Tim and Valerie Levier

: Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak (left), with John Bowlen and Bronco great Steve Foley

: Marquay Baul, Gwenivere Snyder and baby Arla (Bronco cornerback Chris Harris Jr.’s daughter)

: (l to r): Sid Oakes, Shari Gillespie, and John and Mary Lohre

: Rhonda Kubiak (left) and Lisa Schlereth

: ‎VP of Communications and Marketing at the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado Khristine and Brent Rogers

: (l to r): Kristy Tochihara, Nancy Wixteg, Terri Tochihara, Christine and Kent Cutler, Gregg Dirks and Brian Witted

: Volunteers Linda Hinkle (left) and Johanna Beeman worked with the MIM artist who created the painting (left) that was paired with a pro (right).

: Mahlet Menwyelet and Brendon Henderson

: Just one of the tasty buffet stations cooked up by Epicurean Catering

: Alzheimer’s Assocation Colorado Chapter board members, friends, staff and family–all in one photo!

: The McGee family

: (l to r): Jane Watson, Lisa Bailey and Theresa Grill

: (l to r): Zane Tuta, Elizabeth Michell and Liz Sharrer

: Palettes creatively embellished by professional artists were up for bid.

: Board member Donald Oberdorf and Terrie Pierce

: The art auction remained busy up until the last minute.

: Tables reflecting Alzheimer’s purple are set for 800 guests.

: Mike Moynihan, sponsorship co-chair Tom O’Donnell, Mary Kenny Moynihan, and Brent and Melanie Backes

: Rosalyn Reese, director of diversity and outreach, with Lisa Steffan, MIM program coordinator

: Cathie and Bronco great Billy Thompson

: Renne Herrera, with silent-auction art reproductions available for a $50 donation.

: Just a portion of the live-auction artwork.

: Perusing the art and deciding on a bid

: Previewing artwork available at the live auction.

: Finalizing a bid at the silent auction.

: Attendee Mary Hattis was accompanied by leader dog for the blind trainee Ava

: Bonnie Piar and Eric Haave

: Jeff and Monica Wasden

: (l to r): Ed Hut, Patti and John Hughes, Mike lorance and Lisa and Ed hut

: Event coordinator Nancy Thompson (left), with Tanner and emcee Kim Christiansen, of 9News

: One last bid

: Denver sports cartoonist Drew Litton with his iconic rendering of Pat Bowlen’s Broncos legacy. Considered to be the signature creation at this year’s event, the signed artwork was purchased by Beth Bowlen Wallace at the live auction for $7,000.

: Bar Red representatives await the presentation of their event donation, a 5×5-foot opera cake for 800 dessert-lovers.

: Emcee and 9News anchor Kim Christiansen speaks to the crowd with emotion.

: Guests are ready for the live auction

: The new Broncos fieldhouse was the perfect spot for this year’s event, greatly expanded from last year.

: Event chair Beth Bowlen Wallace talks with pride about the accomplishments of her father, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen

13 Jun

Memories in the Making Art Auction

Posted: Jan McNutt

Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease and often most difficult for those left behind as memories slowly fade away over what is often a 8-12 year journey.

The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter is a safe haven for those diagnosed with the disease and for those who provide their care, mostly at home. For over 25 years, the organization’s mission has been to help individuals and family members understand the changes that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia bring while offering new ways to cope as well as create a comfortable life for the person with a diagnosis. When the Association created its Memories in the Making art program in day programs and care facilities across the state, it was clear that painting every week provided those with memory loss a place to feel a sense of purpose, to socialize with others, and engagement in an activity that keeps brain cells firing.

Soon staff at the Association realized the watercolors and the stories they represented offered a unique way to honor lives well lived and to support the work of the organization. The annual art auction not only increases awareness for the programs and services offered at no cost by the Colorado Chapter but also provides guests the opportunity to learn more about the disease and the lives of the Memories in the Making artists who create the beautiful watercolors on display each year. Each year after selecting watercolors from area Memories in the Making programs, volunteers gather donated art from local professional artists. Many of the watercolors created by those with dementia and featured in the auction are then paired with a professional work of an art. These professionals select a watercolor that somehow speaks to them with its subject, color or line. At the auction, the paintings are hung side by side in both the silent and live auction. The memories shared through these wonderful watercolors are cherished by family members who often attend the event to bid on the art of a loved one.

As usual many of Denver’s finest artists stepped up to the plate to donate their works, some of whom have a very personal connection to the disease. Among the artists who donated were Madeleine O’Connell, Cheryl St. John, Marin Dobson, Jean Shom, Duke Beardsley, Roxanne Rossi, Tammi Otis, Margaretta Caesar, John Fielder, Martin Lambuth and Lisa Hut.

The evening began with cocktails and the silent auction along with a preview of the evening’s live auction selections. One of the most popular items is the array of wooden artist’s palettes that are also created and donated by local artists. These are always a highlight, as the artist truly goes above and beyond canvas. I especially love to view the palettes first. Every year these creative works bring in a good percentage of the proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The evening was capped by a live auction emceed by Kim Christensen, 9News and led by professional auctioneers Chuck and Bryson Miller.

The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the more than 63,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer’s disease, and the more than 229,000 family caregivers. Through its statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer’s Association offers education, counseling, support groups, Medic Alert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® and a 24- hour Helpline, at no cost to families. Families throughout the state have access to support services through regional offices in Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Greeley.

For more information call 800.272.3900 or go to their web page www.alz.org/co

Erin Manning, Cheryl Baldwin Cheryl & Chuck St. John Ken Neeper, left, Bruce Vix Joan & Daryl Masztaler Zodie & Jim Livingston Dan & Michelle Parker Pallettes painted by local artists A custom painted pallette Wood embedded in acrylic Art by Marin Dobson Art by a student Painting by Madeleine O’Connell Art by a student Chuck and Jean Shom Robbi Young and Steven Katz Painting by Duke Beardsley & paired with Lola Hawthorne Dress by Roxanne Rossi with Lois Freed Tulips by Alys McMunn and Jean Shom Cindy Whang, left, and Tari Burger Michael Macias and Amanda Burnett Krysta Roberts, left, Madeleine O’Connell and Gretchen Norman Dave Hoppe and Daphne Rice-Allen Kay Munn and Brian Ballantine Chad and Lisa Stewart Sam Stoorman, Pat Wissik A fan taking pictures of the great art Looking at all the talent Sara Spaulding, Bruce Vix Di Beauchamp, left, and Ann Keeler Nel Gerig and Greg Elliott Ed and Lisa Hut Michael and Sarah Lorance Sidney Okes, Shari Gillespie Michael and Tammi Otis Colleen Sullivan, left, Lilla Woertendyke Tina Hansen, left, Kristy Tochihara, Carrie Mitchell The crowd perusing the art Keith Schinke, Karin Blomsness Karen and Alex Speros The crowd mingling Trout photo by Tammi Otis Danielle, Linda, Monica Poetter Dwight & Michelle Nelson, Michelle Cassidy Terrie Pierce, Don Oberndorf Brant Roth, Carli Franks Margaretta and Brewster Caesar with Nancy Chestnut Ryan and Andi Hessler Rick and Sue Miller David and Jane Engel Donna and Gary Antonoff Cecille Partee, left, Biegit Moran, Debra Kirsten Lindsey Mesmer, left, and Heather Easterling The Ebys: Gene, Patti, Jim Jean Seth Bradley, left, John Trujillo and Marty Brust Anne Giesen, left, Kathy Pollicita, Susan Conversano and Rod Felzien Rick Moss and Charlene Goldman Yara Rodriguez and Charles Elwood Robert Platz with his art piece Judi Bring and Bill Brummett Rosemary and Bill Boles, left, and Elle Fore Kelly and Jim Bossert Tom O’Donnell, left, Colleen and John Maxfeld Valerie Horan, left, Nancy Knowlton and Julie Wham Auctioneers Bryson and Chuck Miller Chuck Miller and Robyn Moore Tim Jordan and Sunday Mann Greg Feith, Tanner Feith and mom Kim Christiansen Zane Tuta and Liz Sharrer

06 Jun

Alzheimer's Assn. Art Auction Colorado Springs

Posted: Pam Cress

More than 5 million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s. Every 67 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s of another dementia. In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $220 billion.

With those staggering statistics, it’s almost a given that you, someone in your family, or someone you care about has or will develop Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Although great strides are being made into research and treatment, it is a continuous battle.

To help raise funds to fight this prevalent condition, some very talented artists and supporters donated their work, time and commitment to the series of Memories in the Making Art Auctions across the front range.

The Colorado Springs event took place on Friday at the Antler’s Hilton, and there were some magnificent opportunities to not only pick up a great piece of artwork, but most importantly, support the cause.

Guests mingled, perused silent auction items and many had the signature red cocktails in hand. Auctioneer Kevin Holt acted as emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire, and before the fun bidding and other fundraising games took place, Event Chair Charlotte Long thanked everyone for their support. Carol Neve gave a stirring speech about how Memories in the Making and the Alzheimer’s Association gave her and her late husband Dick such comfort and confidence.

Crisp bidding for beautiful art pieces was the highlight of the evening and guests knew that they not only would be taking home a brilliant art piece, but a memory as well.