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North Central Texas Chapter

Memories in the Making®
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Art Program for People with Dementia

 

 Painting by EdieMay
 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
 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
 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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