SPARK! Memory Loss Program | Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
Today’s hours: Closed
always free admission

SPARK! Memory Loss Program

What is SPARK!?

SPARK! is a cultural program for people with early- to mid-stage 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.

Q: When are SPARK! programs held at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass?

A: Every second Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

SPARK! programming is being underwritten by Bader Philanthropies.

Upcoming SPARK! Programs

Bowling Bonanza

Tuesday, August 8th

10:30-11:30 AM, Snacks to follow till Noon

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Celebrate National Bowling Day with us, which is celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of August each year. Bowling can be traced back all the way to the 1670’s and continues to be a beloved pastime of individuals of all ages. We will try our luck at bowling a round of inflatable bowling, create a bowling pin mosaic and reminisce about the classic game of bowling.

Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658.

THERAPY DOGS

Tuesday, September 12th

10:30-11:30 AM, Snacks to follow till Noon

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Therapy animals can help a person control daily anxiety, regulate emotion, and improve mood. Since therapy dogs are trained to be attentive to a person’s needs and offer unconditional love, they can often stabilize intense emotions. Enjoy your morning at the museum with a visit with some furry friends. Guaranteed to put a smile one everyone’s face.  

Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658.

CLAY LEAF PLATTER

Tuesday, October 10th

10:30-11:30 AM, Snacks to follow till Noon

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Discover the wonders of the Autumn time in Wisconsin through the exploration of tree leaves.  We will be creating our own clay leaf platter by using leaves to make an impression in air dry clay.  We will finalize our tray by painting it in a selection of paint colors.

Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658.

SPARK! Registration Form

Which SPARK! session will you be attending? You may check as many as you like at this time. You can also come back and register for future dates later. Only check a box if you plan to attend that date. This helps us plan our sessions for the right size audience. Thank you!

NOTE: There will be a slight delay and then a confirmation that your registration was sent. Thank you!