For Love & Art

After attending only one presentation, I knew this organization was truly special!

The love the volunteers pour out onto attendees is unlike any other. For Love & Art is a fabulous non-profit organization that deserves so much love for the work they do.

I had the pleasure of volunteering with For Love & Art for a service learning project. This organization provides seniors with so much more than variety and engaging presentations; they provide compassion, love, and desperately needed opportunities to connect with others. I am grateful to have witnessed the difference and excitement they bring to seniors.

As a long-time supporter, volunteer, and board member with For Love & Art, I’ve had the privilege of facilitating numerous art presentations in communities for the elderly and those with limited mobility. What we offer is so much more than just an opportunity to view art — it’s a chance for individuals to reconnect with their imagination, share their stories, and experience the therapeutic power that art brings.

These presentations are not about teaching art history or giving lessons. Instead, we focus on helping participants enjoy the spirit of the art and explore the limitless possibilities of their own imagination. Each session is a journey where I’ve witnessed the transformative power of art in the faces of those we serve. The smiles, the wonder, and the joy that light up their eyes as they are momentarily transported to a place of creativity and beauty are unforgettable.

Being part of these moments is incredibly enriching. It’s a joy to see how something as simple as viewing a painting can bring so much happiness and peace to someone’s life. The work we do at For Love & Art is about more than just art; it’s about touching lives and bringing a sense of connection and joy to those who need it most.

I am honored to be a part of this mission and to witness the profound impact that art can have on the human spirit.

I cannot give For Love & Art enough stars! What an impactful, memorable, and LIFE-CHANGING experience!

I highly recommend visiting a session and sitting in. Regardless of whether or not you participate, being able to see this organization and its incredible volunteers interact with these elderly individuals on such a deep and personal level, truly was an amazing thing to witness.

For Love & Art has been coming to our Senior Living Community at all levels for years, and it truly is such a hit! Our residents look forward to it when they see it on the calendar, and are always impressed by the beautiful art, as well as the knowledge and passion the presenters have to share. The presenters are always early and if they are out of town they make sure to provide someone else who is just as knowledgeable and passionate. They make an effort to connect with the residents, get to know them so they can talk with them when they come back the next month. For Love & Art truly is one of our more impactful programs we have!

I began volunteering with For Love & Art in the spring of 2024 and I have to say that this organization is truly wonderful. Attending presentations and seeing how the seniors light up while looking at the art is inspiring.

The Art Angels work hard to engage attendees in meaningful conversations in which they can recall memories (great for improving cognition). Additionally, attendees can strike up conversations amongst each other - this helps build strong community bonds with those they live with.

While my personal opinion can show a glimpse of how great this program is, I think the words of attendees are the best indicator of its importance.

After each presentation I attend, I have the pleasure of talking to some of the attendees and asking them what they think about the presentations. Here are some quotes I have gathered over the past few months:

"It gives me something that I look forward to every month... This is the best program that we have."
"I left a doctor's appointment early to be here - that's how important it is to me!"
"We don't get to get outside much so it's fun to feel like we are visiting different places."

Visual enrichment is not the sole purpose of For Love & Art. It is not far-fetched to say that the seniors in our community are facing a quality of life-crisis. For Love & Art provides cognitive engagement, an improved sense of well-being, and relief from stress and depression symptoms.

I truly believe this is one of the most wonderful nonprofit organizations in the DFW area.

I first heard of “For Love and Art” while at a 24 hr gym in Dallas, Tx. I visited a nursing facility in Garland, Tx and immediately thought and said, this is not for me. However, I was later talked into trying it one more time. Well, I tried it again at another nursing facility and that’s been over a year ago������. I now look forward to every visit w/the residents at Lennwood Nursing and Rehab. I’ve learned most of them by name. Although they don’t always remember my name, they know me as the “Art” lady. It is such a blessing for me to be able to spread love, joy, and a bit of knowledge as I am privileged to serve these residents.

Vernell Henderson

I visited a presentation at an assisted living facility in Dallas. The presentation was wonderful, the engagement with the seniors was delightful to see, all opinions were valued and encouraged. However, the highlight of the visit was after the presentation. The daughter of one of the residents walked up to the presenter and shared that her mom hadn't spoken all day, but this program and the art made it so that she wanted to share her experiences. This interaction showed me that this program is needed for the elderly every where.

I so enjoy this program because it has me looking at long-time paintings in a fresh new way.

For Love & Art has been a staple in our calendar and will continue to be for as long as they let us. This program is loved by all of our independent living residents as it combines their love of art with continued learning. Thank you for bringing your knowledge to us; you certainly make our lives more colorful and interesting!

This one of the best programs we have in our community. Our residents always leave with a smile after For Love & Art visits. We thoroughly enjoy this program as it is visually stimulating, but the discussions about each painting challenges us to really see what the artist is trying to convey in their painting. I recommend this program to all senior living communities to bring the residents together through art. We have been involved with For Love for many years and it is always evolving, entertaining and informative. Mark Lombard is priceless.

As a retired occupational therapist currently residing in an impoverished senior community in Dallas, I enthusiastically support and champion For Love and Art's terrific program! I would rate this "99" on a scale from 1-5!

When we participants voice our thoughts and feelings while viewing great and important artwork, we are freed from our traps of everyday problems and concerns. Life is not about surviving getting older while watching our body fall apart. No, we are awakened to beauty and experience the joy of stimulating conversation! And the program leaders listen to whatever our expressions and opinions are. We learn about the art, and we learn about each other.

There's one resident in our community who constantly hums. If she's not humming, she's singing out loud. Although we try our darnedest to be patient with Sylvia, it's very distracting to be around her and she is often left alone. But during this program, Sylvia sits with the rest of us and watches the beautiful imagery intently without humming or singing one bit! And when asked what she thought of a particular painting of an ocean scene, she told of how it reminded her of being a little girl with her father and a shark in the Gulf of Mexico in vivid detail!

We were stunned to discover that Sylvia had memories just like the rest of us. I am delighted that she had an avenue to share these with her friends.

This program is very therapeutic and I recommend it to all who may be considering joining the program!

For Love & Art is a wonderful organization. A great way to spread knowledge of the arts, helpful with spreading joy.

I am a long time supporter of For Love & Art. I can think of no better way to spend my charitable dollars.
As a physician, I have seen first hand the benefits of the interaction between arts and medicine. I have attended several sessions and witnessed how beauty and interactive conversations uplift the lives of those in the hospice and elder communities.
I applaud the hard work of the volunteers and the museums who provide images of their works of art in support of this amazing organization.

The amazing thing about Mark, one of the Art Angels, is his ability to remember names from month to month. He personalizes the entire experience, engaging the seniors in the art that he brings with him. Add to that his knowledge of the art and the artists and you have a wonderful, interactive experience for your seniors. Or anyone else of any age, too. We count Mark as one of our blessings for our residents every month.

I’m an Art Angel with For Love and Art and I have the honor of presenting Art museums to different facilities in the metroplex. The conversations are rich and the people are awesome! I’m so proud to be apart of this organization and not only does it make a difference for them, but for me as well.

Great organization that serves the elderly by using art interpretation !

A great to serve those in our community who may be over looked by using the power of art.

This program is a blessing to the elderly and people with Limited Mobility: Seniors, the sick and those with end of life issues. Sharing the museum art is a great experience for those unable to physically visit a museum. Image what it would be like if you could not go where you wanted to go or visit who you long to see. Image if you could not enjoy the beauty of paintings or sculptures. The volunteers are well trained and their presentation skills are superb. The museum art is spectacular! The real gift and joy of this program is the love and concern the volunteers show to each and every participant. It provides a once active group of people, the opportunity to feel special and to express feelings that may have been forgotten. The participants, the volunteers and the museum masterpieces come together as a priceless and timeless work of art.

This organization comes to my assisted living facility. They bring great joy, love, beauty and peace to the elderly here. We so love the great art and masterpieces that refresh our weary souls. The lovely paintings remind of our past experiences, the places we have been and the places we can no longer see and people in our lives. it is new thrilling time for us to experience such wonders through the gift of great artists. They make us feel whole ads alive again.

Mark Lombard comes to Legacy Midtown Park once a month and it's great!

Love the work that this organization is doing! It is truly making a difference for those who participate in the program.

Today was the first time I ever saw this show.

I was tired and really didn't want to spend an hour looking at museum art. I didn't know what to expect, but one of my friends told me it was better than bingo. So I gave it a chance.

From the start, I was thrilled, amazed, and humbled. I saw things I never saw before and heard words that uplifted me. I felt like a youngster after the show. My friend was right; this show is better than bingo!

I recommend it to others!

This is a wonderful resource for Dementia patients. In a non-judgmental environment, people of all abilities can analyze paintings and contribute to a discussion that enriches their lives through an appreciation of art.

Donna E.
What a wonderful blessing to have this FREE program everyday. Joining together via Zoom to view beautiful artwork from famous museums truly does feed the soul during these difficult times. I know there are many people out there who could use this spirit-elevating experience. Please join us! You don't have to know anything about art!

"I like this project a lot. I like the paintings, the colors, people talking. It makes me feel ALIVE! Please hurry back."
– Cynthia.

"I loved it! As I've grown older I have found that I have more time to concentrate on things that I may have missed. it was a lot of fun trying to find and picture in my head what the artist what trying to do and what he was trying to show. Photographs are wonderful but the paintings, well, you can imagine more with them."
– Clydine

"That is a well done program; it was so beautiful it almost made me cry!"
-Ingrid

I truly enjoyed the hour immersed in the feelings art pieces from the Art Museum of Chicago. This program is not the dry boring lecture of art history and the biographies of the artists. It is about the true purpose of art, the expressions, feelings, senses we recall and perceive through our own individual life experiences. Great course for both an introduction to critiquing or an experienced observer of art.

During the pandemic there have been a few groups that I've joined to see something unique that is actually outside my community. For Love & Art is a great group. People from all over the country and world can participate to view and discuss interesting works of art. I enjoy going to museums, but I probably would have never seen any of the paintings that I've seen had it not been for this group.

These art appreciation sharing classes are a lot of fun and I have learned about new museums I have not yet visited.

How blessed I have been to to be able to participate in this wonderful hour of exposure to Beautiful art and I have made some great new pals from around the country and the world! I definitely have had my soul enriched with wonderful art work from museums around the world!
I love learning about the artists and hearing everyone's take on the painting and just being able to be transported for an hour away from all that is going on in the outside world! My soul is washed clean and I can take a a fresh look at the tasks I need to do! Mark is so energetic and enthusiastic about everyone's opinions and there is no wrong input! A great group of enthusiastic people! You don't have to know any thing about art, I love the emotions the paintings bring about for me. Remembrances of loved ones gone, child hood places and things growing up and places you have traveled!
Definitely a worth while cause to donate to and do stop by and visit! Thank you 'For Love and Art' for all the joy, love and beauty you spread!

If you want an interactive online experience on the joy of art, and you want to engage your perceptions with others, and be enriched by theirs and the leader's, definitely tune in. It's almost like being in person with a click to the link. The leader is very knowledgeable, and the people's perceptions are very insightful.

I discovered this program during covid. It is balm for my soul. The moderator has a relaxed, jovial style that makes makes it fun. I never took art appreciation in school, but this nonprofit is helping me to discovered what I missed out on. Each session includes about 4 paintings from 1 of 27 world class museums to delve into. There is no boring lecture by the moderator; instead he invites participants to talk about what they see. And, oh...there is so much to see! If you are an art lover or just a homebound, bored soul seeking connection and beauty like me, check out this nonprofit and allow your mind and heart to be gently ignited and uplifted.

This is a fantastic program that incorporates one’s knowledge and creativity in discussions. I am extremely grateful to be able to access this program, especially now that LA County’s cultural art centers are closed. In addition, the two hosts generate an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
carol Gay

During the pandemic, I came upon this group and signed up for some museum tours- discussions; these are engaging, fun events- I love them! What a great way to meet people from around the world and discuss art!

Like many vulnerable seniors sequestered during this pandemic I find this FOR LOVE & ART a viable connection that creates community, imbues a spirit of sharing without judgement, and a well selected gallery of works the discussion of which is dynamic and lead by a team whose supportive demeanors engage us with ease. This is a time when being in solitude begs the question 'how do we gather safely?' and FOR LOVE & ART answers that question for all of us. If you want to be included simply indicate your interest in Meet Up where the arts box is located (raise your hand to either Mark or Greg) and you can begin receiving email invitations.

I enjoyed the various paintings we would get to see, the unique perspectives and diversity of attendees. I shared with my family & friends.

Although I think first impressions can be deceiving this is the first meeting I joined and it didn’t disappoint. I had so much fun discussing the artworks of many famous artists, and adhering to each of the painting’s details. This Group May be non-profit, but I love how reassuring and encouraging they were, and some of the artworks The members chose were very Appealing. Definitely a must-join and worthy of at least 5 stars, or more depending on how you see fit.

My husband, David and I participated online today in our first “Celebrate the Art Experience” And it was lovely! We viewed beautiful paintings from the Belvedere Museum in Vienna and we all commented on each painting!! What fun. Just like being in a museum with 20 other people and we all gave our opinions. We will be Participating in future events and we will be sending in a donation to this wonderful nonprofit with a worthy cause. Quite a lifeline and bright spot in this crazy pandemic world we find ourselves in.
May

In the present time of isolation from friends and neighbors, we are particularly enjoying our association with this wonderful, friendly, non-judgmental, pleasant group of people. Everyone who is part of this group is considered a treasure, just as each piece of art is a treasure. The leadership is exquisite! Thanks go to each and everyone who is part of this worthwhile endeavor. At the end of each session my spouse and I smile at each other, turn off the computer, and feel an enormous sense of well-being.

I am a 99 y/o WWII vet retired Engineer. My son Jonathan invited me to watch your zoom program For Love & Art: Sharing with Seniors that his friend Greg invited us to. The show was about art from a German museum. He and I watched for about an hour until the showing was over. I very much enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next showing! I have friends who are artists - the Deaton Family. Charles Deaton was my life long best friend. In 1940 we were roommates where he received an Art Scholarship from a New York school on Madison Ave, while I worked at New York Worlds Fair selling pretzels. I learn a lot of art from my time with him. From drawing, airbrushing automobile designs, and architecture. Charles would have enjoyed your interactive review of Art.

I have been joining the For Love and Art Zoom sessions for a week now. I am with a small but dedicated group of art lovers who spending a fun-filled and informative hour every day viewing great works of art. I have been challenged to view paintings in a new way and gained wonderful insights into some familiar works. The bonus is I have made some wonderful friends, too.

I’ve recently begun to participate in the daily Museum Art Experiences offered by For Love and Art. In these Zoom meetings, participants view and discuss works of art from fine museums around the world. The images that are presented are excellent, and the discussions are fun and informative. It is lovely to hear from people with diverse perspectives, as some are artists and others are not. This is a rare opportunity to sit and think about one image at a time, rather than race from one to another in real-life visits to museums.

In such an isolated time, this group is bringing people together to discuss, connect with, and appreciate some of our world's great works of art. This group has LOVE at its core. The love of people, the love of art, and the love of community. When I first joined I was a little afraid that it might be a high brow group focused on evaluation and critique - NOT AT ALL!!! We bring to our discussions who we are, what we feel, what we know, what we think, and even what we IMAGINE. A lively discussion, kindly and generously moderated, highly inclusive, open to all. COME TALK WITH US!!

This is a wonderful experience. Since we are all staying home because of the pandemic, I attended. I'm going to get my mother signed up. She lives in a nursing home and is unable to get to a museum.

It's a way to look at art online, with others and talk about what you see.

For Love & Art has been a godsend for those of us in lockdown at Juliette Fowler. Several of us have really enjoyed the conversation and companionship that our virtual meetings with others about art have provided. Mark has done a fabulous job ... he's very welcoming and knowledgeable about the artwork. I have learned so much from him and the insights of the other participants. The experience has been absolutely wonderful!

"Absolutely, the best thing going around here! I love seeing my fellow residents get such enjoyment out of these presentations! Such beautiful and memorable artworks and such lively conversation! I feel young and beautiful again!" –Lois

"I find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, but when this program comes every other week, I make it a point to keep awake. I don't want to miss anything!" –Blanch

"Having been an artist all my life, I enjoy seeing how artists pull off the seemingly impossible. I'm not saying I like everything that's presented, but most of it I enjoy immensely. Thank you so much!" –Helen

"My wife, Suzie, and I enjoy your show the best of all the offerings we have at this residence. We always learn so many things that we didn't know before, and we have been fortunate enough to have visited many of the museums that you feature. I feel my contribution to the conversation is truly appreciated by one and all. Such a sense of community during this show! My wife is usually withdrawn and sullen these days, but during your show she perks up and comes fully alive. I get to see her beautiful smile again." –Andy

"I really love when you come around. I'm never at a loss for words when I see these beautiful and interesting artworks. I never had a chance to go to Scotland and I almost feel like I'm visiting in your show." –Carole

"I just happened to be visiting my mother today and sat in on Celebrating the Art Experience. I never saw these people more alive than when asked if that baby is a boy or girl, or how many oranges do they see in the painting, or how an artist uses light in the eyes to show the person's soul. Who ever talks about things like these? Incredible! Nice job!" –Beth

"Being in here, I can't go to the museums like I used to in New York, so it's always a treat to recapture that sense of adventure and wonder. I like this presentation so much, that I sneak over to Assisted Living to see the same show again." –Kit

"I don't know a lot about art, but I know what I like and don't like. I like your show very much." –Florence

"I don't do any other activity but yours. You give me something to look at and think about." –Georgianna

Many Stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Patricia

Really enjoyed seeing the presentation today at Harbor View in Bankers Hill, San Diego. Daniella brought the art directly to our people here in a very up close and pleasantly personal way. A very tasteful selection of art, from still life’s to panoramic scenes, I found it delightful. Looking forward to their visit again next month.

"I loved the tremendous amount of variety of artworks. The presentation I just witnessed showcased works from the early 14 century to the 20th century. I was not able to choose my favorite work because so many qualified for being my favorite. I never thought I was much of an art person, but this program has really opened up my eyes about what I've been missing. I'm learning so much about art and how to appreciate it based on your comments and the comments of my fellow residents. In fact, I'm now able to look at a work of art and know what kinds of questions to ask myself to fully appreciate my experience of it. This is a new world for me and I thank you very much!" — Barbara

"It's a wonderful situation that you are able to bring this great museum art to us and I compliment the museums for enabling you to do that. As an artist, I see things that I didn't realize and want to try it for myself. I'm inspired by these great masters and really appreciate you taking the time to come and visit with us the way you do. Art has us appreciate the world in a different way and joins us together in ways that are so atypical in this day and age." —Diane

"This is a fantastic presentation with fantastic art. I am an artist myself and I'm really blown away by the fantastic pictures and composition. I've never been to The Met before and didn't realize what I'd been missing. I felt great peace and ease while viewing the paintings and hearing what people have to say about them. I will certainly be back whenever you return. Thank you so much!"

- Victor

Informative, interesting, entertaining.
Come more often!

Wonderful treasure! I am an activity director at a senior living community in Dallas-- every two weeks we are fortunate to have FOR LOVE & ART come visit groups of seniors. Many of them have enjoyed art in the past, but have limited mobility now and can't visit a museum. FOR LOVE & ART brings the great works of art to US! Residents enjoy breath-taking digital images of the well-known collections around the world, and "lost" feelings emerge..... curiosity, contentment and solace. A great resource! Thank you Mark, and FOR LOVE & ART donors, for making this the most positive experience!

Tradition senior living loves having mark come and share in his heart for art! He engages with everyone and makes learning about art pieces really fun!

I couldn't have asked for a better program for my community. Mark brings such joy & passion to each one of his presentations and makes each of my residents feel as if they are walking beside him through these museums. This is a special program and one of my the most attended by my residents. We Love Mark and the For Love & Art Program!!!!

Mark and his team are the best! They bring art museums to residents that can’t go to an actual museum! I love this program!!! Keep up the awesome job guys!!!

- Laura A from The Prk In Plano

Amazing company! My dementia residents are so amazed by the beautiful art shown and love learning about the details in each painting. They tend to lose focus with other programs, but when Love and Art is here, they are completely interested! This is one of our favorite programs!!! Thank you all!

My name is Barbara, and I live in the Assisted Living Community at Atria Senior Living in Richardson. I saw that our Memory Care Community had something on their calendar this morning about art and I decided to visit them and check this out. I do love art, after all.

What I saw was fabulous! For Love & Art brought treasures from The Frick Collection in New York City and showed them to us. They made it bigger so we could see all the details, even important ones that you couldn't see in the museum. They told us a little bit about each, like the artist and the title, and asked us to share what we thought of it.

Many in the audience made meaningful comments about the level of detail or the beautiful colors, shapes, and other things in the painting. But what amazed me is how the presentation held the attention of all members, regardless of their mental capacity. Bear in mind that I visit these dear people often. They usually wander about and are easily distracted, but even if they didn't speak out loud, I could see captivation in their faces. They were riveted by what they were seeing. I've witnessed music and other activities that cannot do what this has done. I've never seen this level of absorption before.

They say these presentations are like "knocking on heaven's door," and now I know why. I can't wait until they come back. Actually, I want them to come over to our side and give this show to us, too! I highly recommend For Love & Art to your friends and family in senior living.

I love the mission that this organization has taken on. Especially it it’s service to Senior Citizens. Amazing ❤️❤️❤️

Honoring my sister, Gloria Gay Stottlemyre, by donating a virtual museum art book to the Vitas Hospice Center where she died was more than enough, however, the simple ceremony with us, her family, was so inspiring. Sweet words shared and acknowledgement of how we all felt she would so love that this was done in her honor. The art book is amazing and beautiful. The staff at the Vitas center were so excited that they want them for all of their centers.

Enriching the elderly with the beauty of art is a beautiful thing to experience.
The slides of works of art from famous museums are wonderful because they can be enlarged so people with low vision can see. The presenter encourages and complements participation. I have seen the joy it brings to these groups. Many of the participants cannot leave because of physical or mental disabilities, and this brings the museums to them. Thank you for this wonderful organization!

For Love and Art is a great charity that brings light and life to the elderly. Its amazing to see how much these people enjoy being presented wonderful works of art and talking with them about how it makes them feel. For Love and Art aims to improve the quality of life and brings love and art to senior citizens that normally would not get to enjoy those experiences.

I am so happy there is a place to post just how wonderful For Love and Art has been to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital….Having the art book to showcase these amazing works is not only a great educational tool for our patients, but a way we can get them interested in recreating certain pieces during art sessions. Some of these kids will never be able to walk into one of these incredible museums, let alone have the time of getting close enough to study the individual work. We have appreciated the donation from the very moment we started utilizing it and it is a sure way to engage some of the older teens. Furthermore, Mark Lombard (who helps run the show) is one of the kindest and most easy going folks I have had the pleasure of working with.
On another note, one of our volunteers accidentally wiped out and deleted all of the memory and Mark was more than happy to have it returned so he could restore the files and resend it our way!
To Mark and all the other spectacular souls who take part in making For Love and Art a reality, a big thank you from your KCH friends!
Much love your way!

Sincerely,
Erin McAnallen
Child Life Expressive Arts Resource Specialist
Lexington, Kentucky

"Captivating and enlightening, this activity is so much different from any other project I've ever participated in. I'll never forget this; I especially liked, "Whistlejacket." This whole community is very grateful to you and your group for giving us the opportunity to see this painting and others and express our joy over their awesomeness! You fully deserve the 5 stars I'm giving you!" – Sherry

"I thought this presentation was spectacular and words cannot adequately express what I feel inside. I'd give you much more than 5 stars for this wonderful and thought-provoking project." – Bonnie

We have been using our For Love and Art Tablet for more than a year and we love it! It's so gratifying to watch our patients lose themselves in wonder over the beauty of the paintings and then begin to travel back in time to a memory that brings them comfort and joy. What a marvelous resource!

I met Richard at a Meetup, and he invited me to another in which I met Mark – the Founder of For Love and Art. From that point on, I have been a Volunteer with For Love and Art and have enjoyed every moment of this journey. In helping out local communities and their Nursing Homes, Hospices and Children's Hospitals, to expanding the growth of this beautiful organization, to becoming friends with the incredible people where it all started – I couldn't be more blessed. If you love people, and you love art, then this is the best organization out there for lightening up a special someone's day!

My name is Matt Harris and I am currently a Volunteer Caregiver with For Love & Art who leads presentations.

Through this organization I have not only been given one of the greatest opportunities of my life but I have learned that through Art, you can create happiness in others. I have also been fortunate enough to experience this happiness with others while leading these presentations.

"For Love & Art" allows volunteers like myself to not only interact with several groups of people that we normally are not able to communicate with but it also provides an opportunity to better your verbal and nonverbal communication skills. On top of all of that, since this is a nationwide organization, it is positively effecting people in every corner of this great nation and it still continues to grow, meaning that there are several more volunteer opportunities.

As for those who do not know anything about "For Love & Art", the mission of this great organization is below as well as the website in which I urge you to at least take a look at:

For Love & Art brings the Art Experience to those with limited mobility. For Love & Art is in the business of healing, rejuvenating and ‘dusting’ broken spirits – even if just for a little while – through simple human love, digital technology and the preternatural power of art…
https://www.forloveandart.org/

Lastly, I would like to thank Mark Lombard as well as anyone else who brought life to "For Love & Art". Because of this, life has been brought back to so many others and I will help out in any way possible in order to see this organization continue growing.

I have four words for this presentation: Beautiful! Wonderful! Magic! Perfect!
-Micki R.

Mark Lombard is a genius for creating this program. My father is in a home for patients with dementia but has been an avid art appreciator and artist his whole life. This program provides him the opportunity to relive the works that he has seen in person and learn about those he has not. For others who may not have experienced art firsthand, it takes them to a place of beauty, beyond their day-to-day existence. Art can also create connections, not only with the images, but with the community of people who looking at it. In addition to being visually stimulating, it is also emotionally engaging. So grateful that this program is being used in my dad's home.

For Love & Art is a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed this presentation. I love art, it takes my mind off of everything. I loved today’s show, with all the Indians. I used to date an Indian back in high school. It also reminded me of Arizona, where I spent a large part of my life. Your show was beautiful and brought back so many fond memories. I'll bring a friend the next time you come.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I’d rate this about 6.

I had the opportunity to visit with Mark Lombard as he shared this Digital art book with residents of a nursing home. Each senior was touched deeply and appeared to "come alive" as they were introduced to the Masters. An Art book should be in every nursing home, VA hospital, Hospice and school in the world! And Mark should be cloned!

In the business of 'bring joy' to the sick and infirm. Truly an honor to be part of For Love & Art.

I was lucky enough to travel all over Europe with my beloved husband during my life, and these artworks brought back many fond memories. I'm looking forward to you coming back again!

My residents having a great experience with "For Love & Art" program. Representative from "Love & Art" program engages residents very lively and explains them very patiently. I wanted to keep continue with this program as long as I can.
Thanks "for Love & Art " coming to my facility and giving an opportunity to my residents to participate in this wonderful program.

I was first introduced to For Love and Art when my mother was in rehab at Belterra in McKinney. After the beautiful presentation, I asked the volunteer if this program could be done at my mother's assisted living, The Village at Stonebridge. She gave me the contact information which I passed along to the social director at The Village. On the first Wednesday of June, Mark Lombard came with all the beautiful art, and he has been coming every other Wednesday since then. Because I do volunteer work the hour before he arrives, I have been able to be a part of his audience. To spend an hour viewing magnificent works of art and hear Mark tell stories about the artists who created them is an incredible experience. I love to listen to the residents comment as Mark draws them into the paintings. For Love and Art is truly a unique experience and I know the seniors at The Village feel as blessed as I do from this enriching program!.

I work for an assisted living as a life enrichment coordinator. This activity was referred to me by another community. It really brings the art to life and makes the residents reach back into their beautiful memories to share with the group. It had the most participation I have seen in a while from an events perspective.
Art is such a wonderful thing and bringing that type of beauty into the community has been incredible. I am so lucky to have gotten them to come. The representative from For Love and Art is wonderful and kind. We are thrilled with the presentation and I would recommend it to anyone!

I have experienced For Love & Art on more than one occasion, and it is truly a gift to those in attendance. This program brings sunlight to residents of nursing homes or other long term care facilities. Mark takes patients on a journey, and each journey is a work of art. He takes them into each painting, or piece of art, and explores with each patient what they see, think and feel, while viewing the piece. As a result of my own experiences with For Love & Art, I now see many more aspects when I view works of art. I still see beauty, but now I also see the different elements of each piece, the colors, the time of year (if scenic), the expressions, the clothing, the culture, and, often, what the artist is trying to show us.

Mark brings more than joy to these residents. He has a tool that reconnects them to the outside world. It’s quite unique, and very beautiful.

This is a wonderful nonprofit organization that also supports other nonprofit organizations. For Love and Art donated to our nonprofit children's theatre, not only by placing a business ad in our program but by donating artwork for our raffle. The families and children of The ACT appreciate For Love and Art.

I have recently become involved with For Love and Art. This program not only shares beautiful art work from around the world, it brings joy and love to people who need it the most. I think the thing I like most about FL&A is that it feeds my soul just as mush as it feeds theirs!

For Love and Art is a great organization! Mark's ability to care, communicate, and evoke conversation amongst the residents at Bradfield Place is outstanding. He truly brings beauty and joy to our community through the power of art and his compassionate nature.
The residents and myself look forward to seeing him every month!
Thank you for the Love and for the Art!

I want to Thank For love and Art for being an AWESOME EXPERIENCE that they bring to THE PARK IN PLANO twice a month. We only started with maybe 10 residents to participate, now we are 20 to 30 strong from MARK and CREW being so gentle, inspiring, and hands on with individual residents. That's by far what I enjoy the most, as well as the residents. Thanks FOR LOVE AND ART. YOU GUYS REALLY ROCK!!!!! DOTTIE CALDWELL.

I have had the chance to present a show of the lovely works of art with Mark Lombard, "For Love & Art". I got to see the difference it made to the beautiful residents. Their comments were so inspiring, revealing, and brought tears to my eyes. I know residents were returned to a great time in their lives from the smiles on their faces. It was a privilege to be there.

United Cerebral Palsy's children and adult programs are so appreciative of the Virtual Museum ArtBook. Children of all ages and abilities are able to experience art like never before. The ArtBook is visually, emotionally and intellectually stimulating for children and adults of all ages. Thank you Mark Lombard and Pompano Beach High School for this amazing gift. Pat Murphy, UCP Executive Director

I'm so grateful for this beautiful opportunity to be a part of. Mark Lombard is such a warm and compassionate man who has made it his mission to bring Art as a tool to open new dreams and inspire people, whom are not able to see art in museums. I'm so happy to be a new member of Dallas and this wonderful non-profit.

Holly

For Love & Art is a powerful experience for as a board member / volunteer and as a provider of a very positive experience to a very appreciative audience.

The art experience is a powerful engagement tool the lends itself to a crucial "conversation" between caregiver and the recipient.

I am proud to be associated with and helping to grow an organization that provides a much needed interactive experience that would otherwise be missed by many.

I would really like to Thank Mr.Mark Lombard and his Very Special Guest that he brings to the facility with him. My Residents get really excited to hear that he's coming. I've seen Residents in living room that usually will not participate in any activity, Mr. Mark really brings the Museum alive for them and they Love it. They leave talking about when is he coming back. Thank you Mark. Dottie Caldwell/Activity Director

For Love and Art is the ideal intersection of digital technology and ageless acts of kindness through the sharing of art.

The "For Love and Art" digital museum guide has been a much appreciated, easy to use tool for our Grace Hospice patient companions. Our patients can now escape into the vibrant gardens by Claude Monet and admire Edgar Degas ballerinas without ever leaving their bedside. This guide draws patient and caregivers attention away from their reality and instead allows them to focus on exploring various museums instead.

Christian Care Senior Living Community in Mesquite, Texas, is grateful for the Love and Passion that Mark Lombard and his volunteers have shared with our Assisted Living Residents. The attention that our residents give to the Art that is shared is breath taking and memorable. To listen to our residents ask questions about the art and share their life experiences with the group is very special. The Love of Art Discussion group has become a monthly event in our Assisted Living. Praying for this Community partnership to become a lifetime event for our Senior Residents. Sharing and Caring for the Love of Art is so very important to us all, no matter what the age.
Thank You, Cynthia Evans, Activities and Special Events for Bentley Assisted Living, Christian Care Senior Living Community, Mesquite, Texas

The For Love and Art book is extremely easy to use and captures the attention of the participant's we serve at Seasons Adult Day Health Services of Midland, MI. They enjoy going through each piece and discussing if they would "hang it on their wall" or not. Many of the pieces provoke strong feelings of like or dislike which is great! It gets them talking and socializing with their peers, demonstrating their personal taste and opinions. I would highly recommend this art book to any facility providing care for seniors with dementia. It is a great tool to use for 1:1 activities and provides a medium for new staff or volunteers to interact with someone with dementia. Thank you Mark!

The most important aspect of any museum is engaging the community. This program allows seniors and those with disabilities to also enjoy the finer and better things in life. I think this is a wonderful and much needed program that shows interest in maintaining the arts and compassion to the community.

For Love and Art has gifted many of the member hospices of the Texas Non Profit Hospice Alliance with these incredible art books. The passion, detail and professionalism and incredible generosity that FL&A brings to this project has allowed our non-profit hospices all across Texas to bring the transformational experience of art to the bedsides of those who can no longer visit a museum. This is an organization that has touched the lives and spirits of those at the end of life and made a true difference. Thank you For Love and Art!

The experience of being able to give Covenant Hospice such a beautiful donation in my brother Doug Newcombe's honor was unbelievable. The " For Love of Art" art book was so well received. The various art galleries drew "oohs and ahs" from everyone. When the presentation was over, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

The whole experience brought me closer to Doug. I felt like we were kids again and just talking on the beach. I could hear his jokes interspersed within the ceremony. Doug's spirit was definitely in the room. He was laughing but pleased, that this was all in his honor.

In my 57 yrs, this was one of the most spiritual moments I have encountered. It truly was awesome.

We wanted to take the chance to thank you again for all your generosity and assistance with getting the ArtBook to Isabella Geriatric Center here in New York. On Friday, November 12th, my colleague Julia and I went to Isabella to present the ArtBook to the staff. We met with a variety of individuals who are going to spearhead the usage of the ArtBook. Particularly, we met with the recreational therapists from both rehabilitation and end of life care units at Isabella. Additionally, the Marketing Coordinators and other administrators were thrilled to see the partnership forming between For Love & Art, New York Cares and Isabella.

The staff brought a few residents down to the meeting room to see how the ArtBook operated. The response was extremely positive. In fact, one woman let us know she had not been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in over 40 years and was thrilled to have the pieces brought to her through For Love & Art. The staff was excited to use the book on a variety of units and knows it will make a meaningful impact on the residents. So thank you on behalf of both Isabella and New York Cares.

I am the CEO of a Continuing Care Retirement Community. A family member of a resident that we recently served in our health care center wanted to honor her memory with a gift from For Love and Art. We are so thrilled to have this virtual museum to share with our residents, especially those who either can't or won't come out of their rooms to participate in activities. We have so many great things for our residents to do but we often struggle to find just the right tool for one on one visits with residents in their rooms. The virtual museum is such a wonderful way to share beautiful art with folks who have lived wonderful lives but now suffer - some in mind; some in body; but never in spirit. We are really looking forward to lifting their spirits with the beauty we now have in our hands. We are so greatful to the family of our resident for honoring her and sharing this wonderful gift with us. God Bless.

I am honored to be featured in one of your videos to help spread the word of a beautiful cause. My mother was the client served. Such a beautiful memory I have of the day you visited us when my mom was still alive! The digital photo books showed masterpiece paintings from famous museums all over and it seemed to have brought joy to my mom's heart and wake up her soul again - She enjoyed so much looking at the art and traveling to museums through the digital ArtBooks and she also enjoyed talking about the art work she painted throughout her years. I will always remember and cherish this day. I hope your organization continues to grow to bring joy to many others who are not physically able to get out. Much love to you Mr. Mark Lombard You are a beautiful soul!

Imagine, you, the younger, running the tidal beaches, frolicking among the waves, the sun growing weary on your youthful shoulders, the world as new and fresh and interesting and unending as the longest days of summer. Imagine, you, the parent, chasing children over green grass, laughing, hair flying, happy in unending days of independence. The places you've been, the sights you've seen, the toil and labor and love and heartache and joy experienced and the years you've earned.
Imagine, you, the senior, living among others met with the similar fate of growing old. Living now with youthful years behind you, yet it is the body that grows old, not the desire for joy and love and beauty. You, the senior, can be taken away on a train of memories, drawn one at a time from the bank of the world held in your hands, a world as wondrous and awe-inspiring as the days of your youth. You are transported from your confines and back into the realm of wonder, allowing yourself to play within the new world of wonder, your imagination running wild, inspired, reflecting on the worlds at your fingertips, safe, sound, not forgotten. No one should be forgotten. No one should be without the chance to behold that which may be unexploredly new, or as comfortable as an old friend, a painting, a recreation of a point of time, a recollection of days gone by or those as yet to be seen, inexplicably intricate and detailed as you delve deeper, or as serene and simple as a passing white cloud.

That is what you hold in your hands. You look at a collection of the world's most exquisite artistic renderings in a magical book, up close, closer than an ordinary gallery patron is allowed to be and you realize you are a cherished person. Someone has cared enough to let you grasp, again, the wonders of the world.

I am continually in awe of the simple, yet profound, healing that comes from art. It has a power to transcend the path of mortality and transport humans into a realm that brings hope and happiness simply by looking at it. The For Love and Art project brings this hope and healing to those in great need, yet least able to receive such an opportunity, and that is something to be celebrated; and the ability to bring the BEST of the art world to those needing beauty in thier lives is simply amazing!!!

-Melanie Davis
Founder of Love Your Veterans

As the Volunteer Coordinator for Envoy Hospice in Fort Worth, I was blessed to have been awarded an Art Book by the magnificent Mark Lombard, in Memory of an Amon Carter Employee's Father. Many of our Envoy Hospice Volunteers have been thrilled to share this wonderful Art experience with our Hospice patients over the past year & it has brought joy & comfort to many afflicted with life-threatening illness & are at end-of-life. Also, I was fortunate to have the book with me during one of my recent Hospice Patient reviews in a Facility. I opened the book to show it to our patient as we sat at a table in a common area. Soon, along came a lady to join us, I showed the art pictures to both of them & we each gave our thought as to what the artist may have been thinking, then a few minutes later, there were "8" people at the table, all eagerly looking, talking & laughing & sharing about the art work! It was a glorious experience for ALL of us, especially me!

When I was told about this organization and its mission statement I thought..."BRILLIANT IDEA" i work with some senior citizens and whether its a disablility, lack of energy or a transportation issue these Virtual Art Books provide hours of enjoyment to seniors who otherwise would not have access to artwork that they were once able to admire ina gallery or musuem.

I miss my dearly departed mother more days than not. The world continues despite my grief. While mom was alive, I was moved profoundly by the hospice which navigated her final days. Memories of my mom burst into my life without pretense or forethought. At those time, I find great comfort in the art book which continues the journey in her name. Her grand spirit lives on.

Consider an artbook for your local hospice. Assuage your grief. Help all the healers on their past, present and future journeys.

This organization has a blessed mission and has touched many lives with their electronic art display. Mark has a beautiful collection of many periods of artistic expression on a special device that electronically displays these to people who would otherwise not be able to have access to them. Mark has a genuine caring spirit that reaches into hearts to transform their life experience. He is awesome in action.

Kathy

Having a compact device, that is easy to use and holds the BEST digital art museum in the world, that is amazing. The ArtBook is simple, beautiful, and elegant.

With all the war torn bodies and spirits in this world, right now, there are so many places in the world where it could help. Easing the disquiet in people's hearts as their bodies, brains and hearts heals, what a grand mission.

I have been impressed with Mark Lombard's caring and loving nature since meeting him at a leadership event during 1985. Though we live at opposite ends of the country, Mark has always stood steadfast in my life with upbeat and joyful communications and inspirations. What he has created with For Love and Art is such a valuable contribution to those who need it most! To present true beauty through art into lives that thirst for encouragement and motivation is the greatest gift I can think of - replacing doubt and anxiety with wonder and awe. There could hardly be a better cause, a more just recipient of support than For Love and Art. I feel better about the world we live in, just knowing that this organization continues to grow and have influence, lighting a path to the heart of the matter: the human soul requires elegance and artistry, especially when we are vulnerable and threatened by our own mortality. For Love and Art shifts the focus to a higher hope, to a more pleasing possibility, to a vision of a glorious reward.

Mark Lombard is not only genius with the utter brilliance of his desire to serve and contribute to people. I have been a good friend of Mark Lombard's for year and I am more than confident when I tell anyone that Mark loves people, he has a deep passion for art, and he married the two into the charity of For Love & Art.

How can anyone not fall in love with the artwork of the great maestro’s of our times? And being that their artwork touches the heart, transforms the current experience into one of joy and love, and soothes and feeds the soul, and brings peace of heart and peace of mind to the patron – what more could ever offer those who have limited ability to visit the museums?

For Love & Art brings love, charity, joy, and transcendence into the hearts and minds to those that are not able to make the trip to the museums. Instead, they bring the museum into some of the most inhospitable places they help remind those in hospices that those patients are still respected and love and cherished members of our society.

Mark has my love, my dedication, my admiration, and I feel proud to call him my friend and to say that I know such a magnificent man.

-- Grant T.

Mark Lombard's idea was simple. If the hospice patient can't go to the art museum, bring the art museum to the hospice patient. Why not? The best art museums in the country agreed with him. How? By donating high resolution photos of their most valuable paintings to be shown in digital tablets called Art Books. A hospice volunteer visits the patient to share the Art Book; Mark calls it "the art experience." And that's where the power and magic come in. For the length of the visit, the patient's world turns from ordinary into glorious color and the spirit is unbound by the size of the room or everyday aches and discomforts. In one afternoon Mark's visionary "art experience" took me out of my grief after my husband died, inspiring me to share this joy of seeing the world through artists' eyes. I was a volunteer who became a donor. The Art Book donated in honor of my late husband began its service in training volunteers at a VA hospital.

I have served as Director of a Hospice, Executive Director of a Hospice Foundation and on the board of a Hospice Foundation and this is one of the most impactful, exciting projects I have ever seen for making a real difference in the quality of life of terminal patients. Even the research supports the difference art makes in quality of life for people living out the end of their life. However, more than the reduction of pain medicine and the relief of stress from pain and suffering, there is the sheer joy experienced by patients when they are transported out of their limited circumstances to a world of color, and vibrancy, and peace and tranquility in the pictures shared on the book. We are excited to expand this project in Northeastern Oklahoma by purchasing additional books to make available to all area hospice volunteers.

As a Volunteer Coordinator with the Circle of Life Hospice we have seen the joy The Art Book brings to our patients. It is such a delicate time in their lives and anything we can do to bring them joy or comfort is greatly appreciated. We are so thankful to For The Love Of Art and Crystal Bridges Museum for making this possible. Susan Yandell

As an Executive Director in the industry as well as a patient and hospice advocate, I have seen first hand the magic that is created through the "For Love and Art" organization. Bringing art from around the world to the bedside of a terminally ill patient can enhance the patient's mood, emotions & other psychological states. Using art with individuals suffering from cognitive deficit diseases can ignite interaction that is often dormant in the heart, mind & soul. My organization received the "For Love and Art" book as a gift & our staff and volunteers had an invaluable tool that they could literally take to the bedside to engage the patient in a way. The Board of Directors for this organization is passionate, creative & dedicated to enhancing the lives of patients who are ill by bringing works of art from around the world.

For Love and Art is such a blessing to healthcare organizations and patients alike. It is my prayer that this organization may see continued success and a real feeling of accomplishment as they touch thousands of individuals for many years to come.

The Digital Art Book was donated to the Mark Taper and Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. It has been used by our Artists in Residence in the weekly art workshops we hold in the hospital for patients. We are very grateful for this donation and we are proud to showcase the amazing pieces of art collected in this book and increase arts appreciation and education in every patient and family member who see it.

As a VITAS Innovative Hospice volunteer, I got to experience looking at the Digital Art Book with patients at length for the first time recently. Their eyes lit up & they were taken aback by some of the precious details of the paintings. This Digital Art Book was donated to VITAS by For Love and Art and contains neatly organized works of art divided by their respective museums all across the country.

The Digital Art Book normally stays on the hospice in-patient Unit, but I got a chance to take it to visit with patients on hospice service out in the field. Some of the patients complain of boredom, and something like this, lights up their days. Words can't describe what a beautiful collection of paintings it contains & the best thing is all types & eras of art throughout history are represented.

Very beautiful. This project is one of the most life changing charities that I have been exposed to.
I really loved this project. Absolutely a work born out of love

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art has been a partner with this organization since its' inception. Our visitors come every year to share in the common human experience of seeing the beauty of a moment through an artist’s eyes, to sense the forces that combine to give the artist the ability to translate his or her inspiration into a form that can be valued by others. In this case, FLaA uses the power of art to help folks who are unable to visit the museum feel the same thing that the artist felt. To understand an emotion, to revisit a cherished memory, to laugh at a shared joke, to escape the commonplace and replace it with the extraordinary, to provide a moment of respite from pain or despair or fear of what is coming. Sharing the moment makes it even more meaningful.

It has been such an inspiring experience working with this highly dedicated group of people. I am certain that the endowment of Virtual Museum ArtBooks (VMAs) to facilities across the globe will continue to bring the beauty of the art experience to those who need it most.

For Love and Art is such an inspiring organization. It gives people who are in their last stage of life to enjoy beauty and get lost in the magnificence of a piece of art.

With my wife's grandmother's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, our family's world spun wildly. We made it through the initial treatment but when we learned that the cancer had spread and wasn't as neatly contained as we originally hoped it would be; our world was simply crushed. It was then that I reached out to Mark & his team at For Love & Art not only to bring the art to our mimo, but also to provide some emotional support to our family that we each so desperately needed. As soon as Mark shared the art work with mimo her eyes lit up and the imagination took over. I am forever grateful for those beautiful moments that were created by, as Mark called it, "the art experience". I am proud to serve as a board member and give back to an organization that exists simply to bring the "art experience" to individuals that are immobile and dealing with end of life issues. I can not begin to express all that this organization has done for me and by extension, for my family.

Beautiful art add so much to the quality of life. There's a reason that a classic is a classic---it has stood the test of time.
-Jerry Newcombe

As someone who's uncle is an admirer of art paintings and drawings I could've not think of being more proud of a man who had a bright idea in which he would go on an adventure visiting museums which behold the great works of art and think who could I share is with then came the idea of starting a project in which seniors who felt alone down sad and lonely at times would share the experience with such love and passion of art that it showed the true meaning of wat life art and love meant seeing the drawlings and paintings the for love and art project showed seniors that art paintings can being the enrichment of happyness to seniors lifes bringing the art to them when they couldn't go to museums really shows the great passion of careing for the beloved seniors the joyful ness they give the careness it delivers and the true meaning of wat the great works of art mean to them and the love that comes with it in there own life's from the great world works of art.

As a classically trained musician, I know the value in music therapy for people suffering through illness, aging and pain. When I think of For Love and Art, I think of art therapy. This group brings the art experience to people who wouldn't be able to experience to such a full extent any other way.

Rejection and loneliness has been a physiological problem faced by old people in so many part of the World, Sierra Leone my country where I volunteered with this non-profit making organisation was not an exception to that frustrating mood old folks find themselves. When I took the "ART EXPERIENCE" to them, it was not only seen as digital material but it brings them the joy and happiness of youthfulness. Excited I will always be to share that broad smile with old folks through this organisation.

This is an extraordinary charity that purveys joy to those in their final days through the simplicity of art.

I thought hospice volunteering would be about helping people let go. Little did I realize they would teach me how to grab on!
For Love & Art melds my passion for volunteer service (that's the "Love" part) & museum art (the "Art" part) and celebrates life for all who participate.
It's quite a privilege to bring the works of great museums to my charges through the Virtual Museum ArtBook. People are immersed in beauty, joy, vigor and youth, and liberated from the ugliness of everyday life, even if just for a little while.
Thanks to our partner museums for their participation. Without it, this project would not be possible.
Please share For Love & Art with any facility with a strong caregiver/volunteer base catering to folks with mobility limitations. We want to bring "the art experience" to them....

I helped to provide direction for the website's hosting environment, mission, marketing and over all web visibility. I provided small donations here and there & volunteered my time. I witnessed the donation money purchase a digital artbook that was placed into the hands of volunteers at the VA Hospital in Dallas. It is truly remarkable how these veterans saw something for themselves in these art master pieces and came to life again!!

Truth beauty and goodness are ways we transend our ordinary daily experiences and conect with the eternal within ourselves and others. For Live and Art re-connects those who are at the end of life with the art experience allowing them to transcend their daily experience. As a nurse working in hospitals we know by incorporating works or art and nature we reduce the stress levels of those who enter our facilities - For Love and Art is transforming the experience of those who are seen by hospice volunteers who take these digital works of art to the patients as they visit and share with them the experience of art, connecting together easing the suffering and sharing joyful moments.

I had the marvelous chance to meet two people that Mark visits as a volunteer for Hospice in the Dallas, Texas area. One was the indomitable Miss Billie, the inspiration "For Love and Art". I experienced first hand the tangible as well as intangible support Hospice volunteers provide to those they visit. The "For Love and Art" project that blossomed as a result of their relationship is a fantastic tribute to Miss Billie, Hospice and those we love.

Mark is one of my valued volunteers at Lion Hospice. I have had the joy to be involved with For Love & Art for the past year. The artbooks are beautiful and amazing. To have such a vast collection of art in one place is a wonderful thing.

The patients and volunteers who have been able to experience the art book love it. It enables all of us to exeprience art in a new way and on a very personal level. The art book is so much like a museum because we can focus on just one work of art for as long as we want before moving on to the next. The art book takes us to New York, Chicago, and Dallas without ever having to leave home.

Who would have thought that bringing art to hospice patients would have such a positive impact on their lives? Mark did. He has taken his idea, put it into motion and has been able to be a blessing to so many. Thank you Mark!

The For Love & Art Project is a true blessing; the art books give our volunteers the opportunity to connect with their patients and experience art in a completely new way. For the patient who can phyically no longer walk the gallery of a museum; we can now bring the beuatiful art to them. For the patient who never went to a musuem; they can now see what they have missed.

The art book allows all patients to learn, grow, enjoy and even love art in a more intimate way. Being able to share so many works of art, there is no doubt that each patient can find at least on work that speaks to their soul. When that one piece is found the patient and volunteer have the freedom to talk about it and share what it means to them. They create a new memory, a new bond, and prove that no matter what your age or circumstance; art can enrich your life.

I spent several years researching nursing home and assisted living care. When I learned about For Love and Art, I thought is was such a wonderful gift to residents who don't get to see art and beauty. The images are magical. And I think it's even more wonderful because a caring volunteer spends one-on-one time with a resident sharing their joy and appreciation for art and beauty. It's a wonderful way for residents to feel cared for, loved, inspired, and connected in a way that is out of the ordinary - which leaves them feeling special. This project is from the heart and deserves to be recognized and known. Every facility should have one of these amazing books that draws the "reader" into a world of visual delight.

When a person is winding down their life and can't get around, how inspiring it is to be able to see great works of art from major museums to liberate the spirit and counter fear of the future. As an artist myself, I am delighted that this project was created to inspire people facing their transition. As soon as I heard that Mark was developing For Love and Art, I knew I wanted to donate an art book. I am not a television watcher myself and think it is fabulous that this nonprofit offers an alternative to the boob tube for people in hospice.

I am a volunteer & adviser for this great non profit For Love and Art. My company donates hosting and provides ongoing maintenance for the website www.forloveandart.org. We also volunteer our time to consult with FLA to become more visible online & find more donations for this worthy cause.

The For Love and Art blogs tell the story of how this project began & the direction it is headed. To really understand the impact that FLA has had so far, the blogs are a must read. It would take hours for me to provide details and specific examples because there are so many!!

We have witnessed the work, integrity, & dedication that goes into a project of this nature and very proud to be a part of it.