Alzheimer's patient's art raises money

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Chicago Tribune

By PAUL SWIECH

NORMAL, Ill. - Elizabeth Jones's paintings depict bright flowers, colorful landscapes and bold sunsets, reflections of photographs and memories.

"It gives me pleasure," Jones, 64, said of her painting and sketching.

Jones's art has taken a larger role in her life since she became a resident of Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in February 2008. Beginning Saturday, her art takes a community role of combating Alzheimer's disease.

Four pieces of her art will go on public display in the form of greeting cards available for sale at the Farmers' Market in downtown Bloomington. A packet of six cards will be $5.

Proceeds will go to the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter for its programs and services to families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, said Melissa Chrisman, the chapter's special events' manager. Cards also will be sold at the association's Memory Walk in Normal on Oct. 3.

"I'm always glad to do it for them," said Jones, who answered questions with brief, direct answers.

"I think that's a good idea," she said of raising money for the association. "I'm trying to help anybody. I've always tried to be good."

Her longtime friend, Donna Thoma of Bloomington, who has helped to support Jones in recent years, is gratified that other people will appreciate her friend's talent.

"She's sharing her talent and helping other people," Thoma said. "She's thrilled."

Jones was born and reared in Bloomington. While she never married and wasn't employed out of the home, she kept busy taking classes at Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan universities, reading and traveling. After her father, James A. Jones, died, she took care of her mother, Anita.

"I've always been interested in art," she said. She took classes at the McLean County Arts Center in the 1980s.

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