Program Connects Patients With Memory Loss To Art At DIA

DETROIT, MI — Art is therapeutic for many people and those living with memory loss feel no different.

Locals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia build connections and engage in art-making activities alongside their caregivers through Minds on Art, a free program offered by the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter.

Minds on Art encourages self-exploration through gallery tours and art-making designed for those with memory loss and their caregivers. Minds on Art, launched in 2013, concluded its most recent five-week session last week.

“With Minds on Art, you see the power of relationships shine through,” said Charles Garling, DIA director of studio programs. “Participants aren’t just here to see and create art. They’re here to be with one another and to create and strengthen relationships.”

The program, designed for those in the early and mid-stages of memory loss, was inspired by a similar program at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The DIA collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter to bring the program to Detroit.

“Minds on Art gives individuals with memory loss and their care partners an opportunity to do something together without worrying about their everyday challenges,” saidLisa Gardner, program coordinator for the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “The program decreases the feeling of isolation that often occurs with memory loss and provides hands-on, meaningful experiences for everyone.”

Most sessions begin with a guided tour of the DIA’s galleries with docents using visual thinking strategies to encourage participants to share the thoughts, feelings and memories they associate with the pieces.

“With visual thinking strategies, there are no wrong answers,” Garling said. “The open-ended conversation about art makes it easy for everyone to feel comfortable participating and it’s a great way for participants to express themselves. Minds on Art is also an opportunity for caregivers to connect with each other and for all of the participants to make new friends.”

The guided tours are typically followed by art-making in the studio, where participants explore materials and create art – such as sundials, accordion books, pottery and watercolor paintings. Sometimes they incorporate personal items into the art, such as photos or jewelry.

“The DIA is committed to providing collaborative practices to use art as a healing tool,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “To be able to connect those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their caregivers with others in the tri-county community through the power of art is so important and we look forward to expanding and building those connections with the Minds on Art program.”

To ensure comfort, the DIA hosts sessions for those with mid-stage memory loss on Mondays when the museum is closed to visitors. DIA staff involved in the program also receive annual training through the Alzheimer’s Association to ensure they’re updated on the latest research and information.

“Life with memory loss is moment-to-moment, so having participants enjoy themselves and leave with a smile on their face is the goal,” Gardner said. “The DIA allows them to explore their own personal narratives and stories through art.”

The next Minds on Art session begins in September. To learn more about signing up for Minds On Art, call the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter at 800-272-3900.

To schedule a group tour or field trip, contact the DIA at 313-833-7981.