The mother of U.S. Army Specialist Abigail Jenks and Wesley Health Care Center LPN Mary Jenks shares some of her daughter’s artwork on display at the Wesley Health Care Center.
Wesley Health Care Center LPN Mary Jenks will display Abigail’s artwork and share her story with Wesley residents throughout September
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Wesley Community will honor the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Abigail Jenks in partnership with her mother during an art exhibit throughout September at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
The exhibit, which is curated by Abigail Jenks’ mother and Wesley Health Care Center licensed practical nurse (LPN) Mary Jenks, will feature more than 70 pieces of artwork showcasing the fallen service member’s passion for drawing. Due to current health and safety precautions, the art exhibit is available to Wesley Health Care Center residents only and is not open to the general public. A virtual exhibit is available at thewesleycommunity.org.
Abigail Jenks was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army who was killed during a training exercise on April 19 while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 20-year-old was a 2018 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a resident of Saratoga County prior to joining the military.
“We are honored to host this exhibit, which celebrates the life, legacy and creative abilities of Abigail Jenks, who tragically passed away while serving our country. Abigail was a true American hero and we thank Mary for providing us with the opportunity to salute her memory,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community. “The arts are a fantastic way to connect with the senior population and we look forward to sharing Abigail’s creative talents with the residents and staff who visit our gallery, as well as those who view the artwork virtually on our website.”
Created by Mary Jenks as an opportunity to showcase another side of Abigail’s life, the exhibit features numerous themes and subjects, including a variety of animals and mythical creatures, as well as several Spa City favorites such as horses and ballerinas. Jenks hopes that the artwork will spark memories for Wesley’s senior residents and inspire conversations about their lives during the presentations she will guide throughout the month.
“The presentation for the residents is hearing about a veteran’s art from a mother’s heart,” said Mary Jenks. “It is a form of healing from the young to the old, as I explain the life of Abigail and highlight some of her most beloved pieces.”
For more than 40 years, Wesley Health Care Center has provided quality nursing care for aging adults and seniors through a variety of services, including long-term care; light care geriatrics; Alzheimer’s and memory support; and a short-term rehabilitation program.
Wesley Health Care Center is part of The Wesley Community, a 37-acre continuum of care campus in Saratoga Springs which provides seniors with a variety of levels of care including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation and home care.
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About The Wesley Community
The Wesley Community is a 37-acre, not-for-profit agency in Saratoga Springs, NY, which serves the needs of the elderly, as well as active seniors, adults and pediatrics. Sponsored by United Methodist Health and Housing, Inc., The Wesley Community’s unique continuum of care community provides independent and assisted living for seniors, affordable independent senior housing, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, as well as home care services and outpatient therapies available for people of all ages.