I was transported to Sheboygan - 1 hour North of Luthor Manor / Milwaukee to observe and take part in the monthly SPARK program for people with memory loss.
There were around 5 individuals there with memory loss accompanied by there caregivers - some friends and family members - so they had the creative support needed to begin exploring.
The session was designed around the senses - using sculture to mould, various fabrics and a hand masseuse. The various techniques all worked together to provide a truly fantastic session.
Hand moulds were created by all participants - where they could freely choose how to position their hands and whether to include rings and other jewlery important to them...
Then the workshop transported to the gallery space where the exhibition 'Hiding Places:Memory in the Arts was exhibited to look at clothing and identity. Each pair had to discuss their favourite piece of clothing and what it meant to them - but then write a paragraph of what the item of clothing would say to them:
John - 'My navy jacket would say to me - I am Proud of YOU JOHN and i feel very handsome when you wear me'
The discussions were fantastic and were inspired by passing around various textile fabrics from fur to leather to fleece and felt.
The moulds, words and paragraphs were all put into hand made boxes for all participants to take away - little memory and identity boxes!!
(More photos from the session to follow - proffessional photography)
