SPARK! Memory Loss Program | Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
Today’s hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
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

Earth Day Celebration

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
10:30-12:00 PM CT
FREE – Registration requested–space is limited

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earths natural resources for future generations.  Join us as we celebrate the earth through hands on planting projects, fun facts, laughter and more.

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

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Wreath

Tuesday, May 9th

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

Continue your Cinco de Mayo Celebration with the creation of a fiesta wreath utilizing a variety of brightly colored flowers, ribbon and adornement. Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican cutlture and heritage. We will also be listening to traditional music and tasting some fiesta treats.

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

A Thousand Flower T-shirts

Tuesday, June 13

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

A significant portion of our paperweight collection are millefiori paperweights. “Millefiori” means “a thousand flowers” in Italian. We’ll use these paperweights as inspiration to design t-shirts. We will be designing with the students from our kids camps for a multigenerational experience.

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

Scentfully Sensations

Tuesday, July 11

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

FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited

The power of scents can directly affect mood, stress and cognitive function. Join us as we explore a variety of scents to stimulate our brains and connect us to an event or moment in time. Delightful conversation will carry us through the hour as we discuss how the scents make us feel and the moments they evoke.

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!