The Lewistown Public Library is honored to host work from Missoula artist Marc Steinberg with the support of the Montana State Library. Steinberg began painting after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020 as a way to process that experience and his memory loss. 

Steinberg’s paintings will be displayed throughout the Library. We are also partnering with other locations, including Extension, the Lewistown Art Center, and the Council on Aging, to develop additional programming about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

To help the public process his paintings, Steinberg provided an artist’s statement. It is an incredible summary of his intentions for this exhibit. It will be on display in the Library, but we have also provided it here in full:

May 27 2021

I never knew I wanted to paint. Debbie, my wife, asks if I want to explore the colors, and create my own pictures.

I have never painted before. Here I am, with Alzheimer’s stealing chunks of me, the giant questions of “What will I do? What’s next?” present every conscious moment.

Then, painting grabs me.

I find myself immersed in joy and calm, with an abundance of beauty flowing from my brush. I am free to grow when I paint. I communicate with grace, dignity, and exuberance, from deep inside myself.

When people see my work they are seeing the world through my eyes. They can experience my wonder and perhaps, find the courage to explore their own uncertainties and nurture hidden joy, capturing and flinging it into the sky like a kite.

– Marc Steinberg 

We look forward to seeing you in the Library in coming months to experience this exhibit for yourselves. You can also check out the programming events below.

Register for the Sip & Paint between 3/13 and 4/13 by filling out this Google Form or calling the Library. The Sip & Paint has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 1 from 5-9 PM. The class is full, but please fill out the form to be added to the waitlist.