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 free SPARK! SESSIONS
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Warm up this winter with a hot glass blowing demonstration with our education staff. Our glass blowers will blow your mind using our glass blowing furnace that runs at a cool 2,100 degrees! The glass artists will show you how a paperweight is made and then create a beautiful platter so participants can see multiple different techniques.
Please register in advance as space is limited. Live streaming will be available after 15 people register.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Who doesn’t love a game of bingo? We’ll be learning about the variety of collections at your museum with Casey the curator, followed by a game of bingo using pictures of pieces in the collection! Participants are encouraged to bring a piece from their own collection to share with the group if they wish.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making our own lucky charms! Participants will have the opportunity to create their own lucky charm keychains while learning about Irish folklore and history.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Let’s talk about our heritage! Participants will create their own family tree posters and are encouraged to bring in their old family photographs if they wish to share with the group.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
We’ll be talking about the beautiful lifelike floral creations of artists like Paul Stankard and David Graeber and learning about floral arranging with Sami from Mobile Minis!
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Join us for a relaxing session of chair yoga on our backyard lawn overlooking Lake Winnebago! Seating provided. In the event of inclement weather, SPARK! will be held indoors.
Stop by to make a millefiori tie-dye creation with our summer art camp kiddos! This session will be hosted outdoors.
Meet us at the Kimberly Point Lighthouse at 270 Lakeshore Ave, Neenah, WI 54956 to take photographs with Polaroid cameras! Participants will be able to take home their photos home afterwards. Seating provided. In the event of inclement weather, SPARK! will be held on-site.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Visit with Casey the curator and receive an exclusive tour of the museum vault, where we store our beautiful artwork!
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Stop by to create your own spooky fused glass project. Projects will take up to 2 weeks to be fired in our kiln and will be available for pickup from Visitor Services. We encourage participants to exercise caution when working with unfired glass.
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
Join us for a gallery tour with one of our docents!
1:30-2:30 pm, Snacks to follow
We’re breaking out the piano for some music! Stop by for some holiday cheer and singing classic holiday songs!