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
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.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Join us in creating your own Poppy flower in remembrance and celebration of our veterans. Poppies, specifically red poppies, are symbols of remembrance, especially for those who died in war. This connection stems from the World Way I poem, “In Flanders Fields,”. The poem describes poppies growing on the graves of fallen soldiers
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
In spirit of the holiday season, join us in making your own garland to hang around your home, either for the holiday or for year-round decor. Garland represents the abundance and celebration of various holidays and seasonal decoration that adds beauty and festive warmth to indoor and outdoor spaces. We will be utilizing mini canvases, beads and more to decorate our garland.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
To celebrate the new year, join us in making your own confetti drinking glass. As we create, we will take inspiration from our Germanic Glass collection. The act of raising a glass and toasting symbolizes friendship and shared joy. We will also share good wishes and celebrate while we make art.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Explore our galleries as we discover the wonder of snow and snow people portrayed in the museum’s paperweights. We then will create a variety of crafts inspired by our explorations. Also, enjoy curated snacks based on our monthly theme.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Join us in making lucky shamrock paintings to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Utilize shamrocks and the color of the rainbow to adorn our paintings. Shamrocks and rainbows were deemed to bring good luck and a festive spirit by Irish folklore.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Let your creativity bloom by making fused bead floral bouquets with us. Our fused bead bouquets will then be added to card stock to create a springtime card. Explore floral paperweights to inspire your final bouquets.
1:30-2:30 PM, Snacks to follow
Get your body moving by joining us for our Cinco de Mayo Dance Party. Listen and sway to salsa music while we create our own 2-D tissue paper salsa dancer dress. Themed snacks and drinks will be provided.