Awakening Memories through the Power of Art

By Kia Karlen
Director of Education

Arts and culture have the power to create meaningful experiences for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of memory loss. At Madison Children’s Museum, we see this theory jump to life in our popular SPARK! programming. Each month, participants from throughout our community gather at MCM for programs that combine art-looking, art making, reflection, and sharing. SPARK! also includes special intergenerational sessions where area Girl Scouts participate and work toward badges related to making friends and learning about their elders.

“The program has been helpful and has done a great deal to help me stay alert and interested in all the activities we engage in during class and in my everyday life.”— SPARK! participant

SPARK! was established at MCM in 2011 and is currently supported by Dane Arts, with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation. In the last fiscal year, 35 cultural programs reached 338 people and a second workshop was opened up. MCM is one of ten museums statewide serving Wisconsin residents with SPARK! activities. To register, call 608.256.6445, ext. 156.spark blog photo

MCM also hosts Meeting of the Minds, a program of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. To learn more or to register for this weekly program, contact Pat Wilson, ADAW Family Support Coordinator, 608.232.3406.