SPARK! programming is being underwritten by Bader Philanthropies.
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.
Tuesday, September 10th
1:30pm-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE– Registration requested – Space is limited
Explore the colors of the fall season by creating with oil pastels. We will focus on ways to use the oil pastels to blend colors and create a fall scene. No art experience needed. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
Tuesday, October 8th
1:30-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Take a stroll into the spooky season with the creation of seasonal décor. We will be using tissue paper to cut out our own spooky shadows and mod podge them to a mason jar. Our lanterns will include a tea light to create that spooky Halloween feeling. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
Tuesday, November 12th
1:30-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Discover Gene Koss’s art by reflecting on his large scale art work Amish. Koss works with serial cast glass parts combined with iron and neon to create large scale artworks. He developed innovative techniques to transform his memories of the mechanized Wisconsin farm of his youth into foundry-based glass sculptures. Reflect on childhood memories along with feelings evoked by studying Koss’s artwork. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
1:30-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Gingerbread houses were inspired by the story Hansel and Gretal. Travel into the story as we create a gingerbread house with a simple terra cotta pot. All supplies will be provided to paint and decorate your terra cotta pot into a gingerbread house. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
Tuesday, January 14th, 2024
1:30-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Join us during the wintery January month to create snow people out of corks. Reminice on the times of making snowpeople while sipping on a hot beverage. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
Tuesday, February 11th, 2024
1:30-2:30pm, Snacks to follow
FREE- Registration requested – Space is limited
Warm your hearts by creating a tissue paper painting for yourself or a loved one. We will paint utilizing a resist painting technique using canvas, white crayons and bleeding tissue paper. Stay after for snacks and laughter.
Register at the bottom of this page, or call 920-751-4658
You may register for multiple sessions at a time. There will be a slight delay on the confirmation email.