Supporter Spotlight is a feature where we shine a light on our members and donors to learn about their connections to the Frye and why they support the Museum.
Not only is Marigrace Becker a Frye supporter—she’s been a member of the Creative Aging Advisory Committee for the past six years. “I greatly admire the Frye's dedication to enriching the lives of people with dementia and their families through the creative arts,” Marigrace says about her motivations for supporting the Museum.
“The Frye Art Museum was the first museum in Washington State to offer creative arts programs for persons with dementia and their families—they are pioneers and leaders, forging a way for other museums to follow suit,” explains Marigrace. “I currently serve as the Program Manager for Community Education and Impact at the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, and we are pleased to partner with the Frye to launch The Memory Hub, a place for dementia-friendly community, collaboration, and impact, next door to the Frye.”
Recently, Marigrace had a chance to visit the Frye galleries to see Art on the Mind: Ten Years of Creative Aging—an exhibition sharing stories and works of art that highlight the experiences of those living with dementia, their care partners, and those who help make Creative Aging programs happen. On her impression of the exhibition, Marigrace recounts, “It stood out to me as one of the finest efforts I've seen to honor the creative abilities of persons with dementia, and to showcase these abilities in a way that challenges stigma and builds community understanding.”
As a supporter and as an active member of the Creative Aging Advisory Committee, Marigrace substantially advances the Frye’s efforts to provide meaningful programs and build community with those living with dementia, their families, and loved ones.