Arts for Alzheimer’s Promotes Mythical Show If we told you that a group of trolls would be strolling the streets during Canton’s First Friday events, you’d probably sit us down and ask us to please stop doing so much research on our beer section. But as much as we love our beer section, the trolls are true: The Troll Troupe, a group of auditioned local residents playing the parts of trolls, will be roaming local events as part of a campaign to raise awareness and support for research on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sponsored by the Arts for Alzheimer’s organization, the Troll Troupe is one method of promotion for the group’s “Troll Hole” art exhibition and juried troll-themed art show, to be launched this September. Artists are invited to enter artwork that will then be incorporated into and around the gallery’s “Troll Hole” display, a 600-foot rendition of an imaginary forest, with wood, glass and textile elements creating a backdrop for this piece of Scandinavian folklore. The theme may seem odd, but the benefits the arts provide for degenerative diseases is very real, said Sherry Groom, president of Arts for Alzheimer’s. “Why trolls? Trolls are the oldest creature of Norse mythology,” said Groom. “The trolls are here to teach us: art is treatment for dementia; art connects on an emotional level when memory is gone; art soothes and calms; art aides communication; art improves concentration; art brings us all closer together.” As a juried show, artists are eligible for a total of $2,500 in cash prizes, including a $750 first-place prize. Entry fee for the show is $10 for one piece of artwork or $25 for up to four digital files; $5 for each additional piece. There is no maximum, and the deadline for entries is July 15. The gallery show will be kicked off with a Troll Festival Street Fair on September 10, when games, contests, live music, a 5K race and other activities are planned. Arts for Alzheimer’s is a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia to the arts community. Learn more (and enter work for the art exhibition) at artsforalzheimers.com.