SPARK! Memory Loss Program | Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

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

Ink Dyed Coasters

Tuesday, November 14th

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Come in from the brisk Fall air to create an ink dyed coaster. Select a variety of colored inks to drop on your ceramic coaster to make a one of a kind piece of art. Coasters then can used to place under favorite drink, or as a gift for a loved one.  We will be making a set of four coasters!

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

Button Holiday Trees

Tuesday, December 12th

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Celebrate the holiday season by designing your own button tree. Create a tree that represents the colors of the season or use colors significant to you. This tree will be a wonderful addition to your seasonal decor.

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

Picasso faces

Tuesday, January 9th

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Discover the world of artist Pablo Picasso through a fused glass self portrait. Learn Picasso’s significance in art history. Your fused glass self portraits will be inspired by Picasso’s expressive style.

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!