SPARK! Memory Loss Program
SPARK! programs ARE held the second Tuesday of every month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass.
SPARK! programming is being underwritten by Bader Philanthropies.
SPARK! is creative engagement programs for people with memory loss and their care partners. SPARK! is located in museums, galleries, nature centers, and cultural venues across the United States and continues to expand into new communities.
SPARK! was originally inspired by the Meet Me at MOMA program, a successful outreach effort at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and has continued to grow and foster engagement activities using sensory stimulants combined with visual art conversations, music, poetry, hands-on art-making, movement, and creative performances. The inception of SPARK! began with a grant from The Helen Bader Foundation (now Bader Philanthropies Inc.) in 2009. The Bader Foundation’s Alzheimer’s and Aging program aims to make Wisconsin a leader, not just in how challenges posed by this disease are addressed, but in how growing older and the later stages of life are viewed. Through an emphasis on program development, applied research, and public policy, Bader Philanthropies strives to offer hope to families struggling with Alzheimer’s.
SPARK! programs welcome care partners to stay actively engaged in their communities while joining peers to experience art, culture, and nature in a comfortable environment with specially trained staff and volunteers. SPARK! programs typically last 60-90 minutes and group sizes average 20-25 participants. Attending a SPARK! program provides care partners an opportunity to be together IN THE MOMENT. The programs are not reminiscent nor do they rely on recalling memories, but rather focus on observations, conversations, and creative experiences. There are a variety of programs to fit every interest and comfort level. From art-making, singing, and drama to museum discussions, performances, and cooking – SPARK! offers something for everyone.
UPCOMING SPARK! SESSIONS
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Marimekko is known for their abstract patterns, architectonic shapes, and vibrant colors.. Utilizing napkins printed with Marimekko inspired designs, we will decorate our own serving tray. We will also explore these design characteristics through hands on activities, conversation and snacks.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
What started as an experiment with light refraction and polarization developed into the invention of the kaleidoscope. Join us as we explore color and light to create our own kaleidoscope. Colorful snacks and beverages will be provide.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
We will have fun drawing a farm animal and look at some of the commonalities and differences when we compare our drawings, sparking conversation and lots of laughter.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
A significant portion of our paperweight collection are millefiori paperweights. “Millefiori” means “a thousand flowers” in Italian. We’ll use these paperweights as inspiration to decorate tea towels. We will be designing with the students from our kids camps for a multigenerational experience.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
The main character in Betty’s Bigh Night Out is Betty, a 1950’s housewife aspiring to win her husband’s office party contest. Her fantastic balancing act creates a perfect metaphor for the roles, expectations and aspirations of women in the 1950’s, as seen by the artist. Convers over this beautiful piece of art while creating a magazine collage of relatable items.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Explore all things bubbles! From bubble wrap, to blowing bubbles there are so many fun possibilities. If weather permits we will enjoy the world of bubbles outside the museum.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Chair yoga can benefit older adults in many ways, including reducing pain, improving flexibility, and reducing stress. Join an experienced yoga instructor to assist in a guided chair yoga all while enjoying by the beauty of nature on the museums back lawn.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
1:30-2:30 PM Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Come down to our glass studio and watch a unique piece of art being created by a professional glass artist! Our mini dragon holds 15 lbs of molten glass and includes a reheating chamber. You’ll learn about the history of glass art, equipment and tools used by glass artists all over the world, and tricks that glass blowers use to create one of a kind blown glass art.