“This center will be a place of hope, creativity, and connection for people of all ages,” said Dr. Mary Whitmer, president of the board for the new Gary Abrahamson Jr. Music, Arts and Life Enrichment Center.

An informational open house will be held at the new arts center — formerly the Gary Abrahamson Jr. Memory Care Center — this weekend. The public is invited to visit the center at 2635 1st Ave. South in Escanaba on Sunday, May 3, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Whitmer said that she’d love to see the place become a gathering point for people of multiple generations with varying abilities. For example, a teenager who is used to simply practicing guitar alone in his room might be able to build skills and confidence by being around other musicians in a supportive environment.

The event on Sunday will include tours of the building, a brief introduction to the mission, light refreshments, and volunteer applications for those interested in helping.

A small group from Pathways Community Mental Health participated in a karaoke-like activity, singing and playing along with music at the Gary Abrahamson Jr. Music, Arts and Life Enrichment Center on Friday afternoon.

“Skills and willingness to help in areas such as music, arts and crafts, cooking, serving, gardening, organizing, cleaning, and many more skills are welcomed, with the focus on creating a welcoming environment to learn and grow for all ages,” read a press release issued last week.

The former memory care center’s new purpose was announced in November, when the board of directors of the Gary Abrahamson Jr. Memory Care Center publicly shared that they were “excited to introduce a new chapter of service through music and arts.”

The building was first constructed in 2015 after Patricia (“Patt”) Abrahamson-Besse donated $400,000 for its foundation at Bishop Noa as a mission of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres. The center was named in honor of Abrahamson-Besse’s son, who suffered a brain injury 25 years before his death.

For six years, the center provided its space at no charge to the Community Action Agency for their adult day services for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

“In late 2022, due to the costs of maintaining and operating the facility, the Center began charging a modest rent, which was even reduced to ease the burden. After three years of renting, Community Action Agency made the decision to move their adult day services to another location,” read a press release from the center.

The board of directors of the Gary Abrahamson, Jr. Memory Care Center — along with the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, who still operate the facility — decided that transforming the center into a hub for holistic music and other arts would be a good route to follow.

“(Music and art) are proven to benefit a wide range of populations, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke recovery; children with autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities; veterans and others living with PTSD, pain, or trauma; those in substance use recovery; and patients receiving hospice or end-of-life care,” stated the November announcement.

Sunday’s open house is free and open to the public.

“Come and hear about this new community effort utilizing local volunteer time and talent to provide an opportunity to come together in music, art, cooking and life enrichment,” said Whitmer.

More information may be obtained by calling 906-553-7000 or emailing info@musicartscenter.org.