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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Doris saw the picture of the palm tree and knew. She liked the mixture of greens, yellows and oranges.

But her pre-painting warm-up was different than most.

Rather than mixing colors on a palette or envisioning her artwork on a blank canvas, she sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Doris participated in a program called Art Without Boundaries, which uses a combination of singing, painting and movement as a form of therapy.

This therapy, called MnemeTherapy - whole brain therapy - helps people with Alzheimer's disease, autism and learning disabilities.

"The art shows the triumph of the human spirit, and we're here to support that triumph," said artist and founder of Art Without Boundaries Noell Hammer.

More than 20 clients from Al'z Place, a local center for Alzheimer's patients, will have one-on-one 30-minute sessions with Hammer on Thursday and Friday to create their own works of art.

During the sessions, clients choose a piece of artwork Hammer has painted and recreate it.

Executive director of ElderCare of Alachua County Anthony Clarizio said artwork the clients produce will be sold at a silent auction on Jan. 31.

The money raised at the auction will serve as a fundraiser for the clients of Al'z Place.

"This is not kindergarten art," Hammer said. "These are actually things you'd put on a wall and enjoy."

Hammer started Art Without Boundaries nine years ago in South Florida, but now the program and therapy are used in 21 states.

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"This is a disease that is all about, 'I can't,'" she said. "But we say you can."

Hammer said that although the program has physical benefits for patients, its main purpose is to take away the fear that so many Alzheimer's patients live in.

The artwork is also beneficial to people other than the clients, like their families, Hammer said.

"It says to their family members that this person can still do things," Hammer said. "They can still produce beauty."

Staffers can see the results, too.

"They all come out looking so proud about their work," said resident nurse Elsie Cichoracki. "I'm amazed by some of their work."

Once the palm tree painting was complete, both Hammer and Doris admired their hard work.

"It's perfect," Doris said.

"I love it," Hammer said. "It's so beautiful."

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