“Students in these classes focus on the imagery expressed in poetry and art, leading them to recall specific personal memories and the feelings associated with those times. During group discussions they compare notes and realize sense of having lived in a specific time and place. Stimulating the recall of life’s memories rekindles a sense of self, who and what we are individually and who we still are. This restores a sense of dignity, identity and continuing relevance.” Bobby Richman, scientist and composer “At Rhoda Goldman Plaza we’ve striven to create a model of excellence in dementia care, and Patricia Ris has been an integral part of setting that standard. Every art class she has taught has been appropriately challenging, stimulating and fun, and her compassion, patience and warmth have been felt by every resident and staff member, I’ve also been impressed by her work at Family Caregiver’s Camps for Caring and Caregiver Retreats, where her classes are always popular and full. Whether in a group or one-on-one, whether teaching Alzheimer’s clients or stressed caregivers, this woman really knows how to actively engage her students. She is raising the bar in her field.” Caitlin Morgan, former VP of the Gilbert Guide, current Camps and Retreats Coordinator for Family Caregiver Alliance “Hanging on my wall is a painting created by my mother, a former high school English teacher with memory impairment. The picture accompanies an Emily Dickinson poem and this combination illustrates the creative energy of Patricia’s art and poetry classes. I am so glad that my mother has the opportunity to benefit from this program.”  Elayne Grossbard, daughter InnerVoice Art Classes for Elders in Dementia Care 24 Josiah Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 469-8741 Art Classes for Elders in Dementia Care