Painting the Fragile Threads of Memory- A Solo Exhibition by Cynthia Van Frank at the Cline House Gallery in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Cornwall & Area

May 16, 2025

Cornwall, ON – This May 8 through May 31, the Cline House Gallery presents “Lest We Forget-About My Mother”, a heartfelt and soul-stirring exhibition by artist Cynthia Van Frank. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into the world of her 93-year-old mother and their shared journey with dementia, memory loss and enduring love.

“The subjects of my paintings”, Van Frank writes, “are touchstones that connect my mother to her past. They symbolize the richness of her life despite the challenges posed by dementia.”

This powerful body of work does more than reflect one family’s experience. It sheds light on the broader impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia, which affects over 55 million people worldwide, and the need to challenge the stigma that surrounds them. In tandem with the exhibition, the Cline House Gallery will be hosting two special events aimed at fostering community awareness and greater support and compassion for those affected by these challenging conditions.

Artist Talk with Cynthia Van Frank- May 23, 1-3 PM

Artist Cynthia Van Frank along with writers Victoria Leblanc and Elisabeth Recurt invite you for an afternoon of conversation as they share their experiences and discuss the role of art in memory preservation, caregiving and emotional healing.

Fundraising Tea in Partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Cornwall & Area- May 28, 1-3PM

An afternoon tea party “steeped in love and FUN” with proceeds supporting Alzheimer’s care and the gallery’s continued commitment to gathering community and building connections through the visual arts. There will be treats, games, and prizes! Tickets are $65 and are available in the gallery or online.

If you want to support the Alzheimer’s Society, but cannot attend the Fundraising Tea Event, don’t worry, there is a fundraising raffle available until May 28^th. Win an original painting donated by Cynthia Gatien in support of Cornwall’s Alzheimer Society and ongoing programming at the Cline House Gallery. Tickets are available at the gallery and the Alzheimer’s Society office. $10 tickets or 3 for $20.

“Lest We Forget- About My Mother” is not only an exhibition- it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and honor the stories that make us who we are. It is a call for empathy, for deeper understanding, and for holding on to what matters most.

Gallery Hours: Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 10AM- 4PM

Admission: Free and open to the public

Contact: Emily MacLeod, 613-932-1823, clinehouse@cornwall.ca

Website: clinehousegallery.com