Art Program for People with Dementia

 

Painting by EdieMay

Memories in the Making® is an art program for people with dementia that was developed over 20 years ago by two artists working with the Orange County (CA) Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.  The program is now offered by some 18 chapters of the Association nationwide.

In weekly, one hour art sessions, people with Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia use watercolor paints to create personal, enigmatic works of art.  An artist facilitator trained in the Memories in the Making® method conducts the sessions with the help of care staff and volunteers.  Bypassing the need for planning or for learning new skills, Memories allows people with memory loss the opportunity to express themselves creatively and see the results of their efforts take form before their eyes. 

Painting by Marian

Researchers believe that not only is creativity important to individuals’ sense of well being, but that the parts of the brain involved in creative pursuits may remain relatively intact long after other functions have been lost.  For many with dementia, art becomes a means of telling stories, communicating emotions and recalling lost memories. Others enjoy the sensation of expressing themselves in paint and seeing the shapes, lines and colors flow from the brush.  For all, it is an engaging and enjoyable activity when other avenues for creating, communicating and experiencing pleasure are lost.

The Alzheimer’s Association helps care staff bring Memories in the Making® to their communities by training them to be facilitators, supplying art materials and organizing opportunities to share the works of art.  The painters in the program often create beautiful works of art that are included in exhibitions and fundraising auctions or reproduced as calendars and note cards, helping the Alzheimer’s Association promote awareness of the disease.  More important than the finished product, however, is the process of finding a means of self-expression through art and enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from dementia.

Painting by Evelyn

For more information about Memories in the Making®, to host the program at your site or to volunteer to assist with the classes, contact Lisa Buck at 817.336.4949 or 800.272.3900. 

Links

Community Memories in the Making®
Learn more about this special program for individuals living at home.  Join a community group!

Memories in the Making® In the News
Read what local media is saying about the program:

∗Fort Worth Business Press

Exhibitions
An Art of Me, held at Emeritus at Tanglewood Oaks in Fort Worth, from September 25 - October 25, 2009.  You may view the paintings here.

 

Facilities currently participating in Memories in the Making® are:

Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center		Abilene
Alvarado Meadows Nursing and Rehab		Alvarado
Arden Courts of Arlington		Arlington
Horizon Bay		Arlington
Oak Hollow Alzheimer's Special Care Center		Bedford
Autumn Leaves		Flower Mound
James L. West Senior Adult Day Program		Fort Worth
Emeritus at Tanglewood Oaks		Fort Worth
Quail Park		Granbury
Riverside Community Center		Haltom City
Silverado Senior Living		Irving
HCR Manor Care		North Richland Hills
Lexington Nursing and Rehabilitation		Richland Hills
Oakwood Assisted Living		Stephenville
Wesley Woods Alzheimer's Care Center		Waco

 

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