Programs

Through the design and implementation of inclusive programming, we have discovered new ways in which the arts can measurably improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and offer support to their caregivers.  Our experience with thousands of participants throughout Northern California supports national research on the positive connection between creativity, happiness, and health. When we combine those elements with faith in God and His love, we strengthen the spiritual life of participants, which then supports their emotional and mental well-being as well.

Art Reveals

Art Reveals collections include paintings and photo imagery that offer “still stories”, providing space for participants experiencing short-term memory loss to pause, observe, and allow the images to connect them with personal memories or insights. Through guided conversation, participants are invited to experience their insights on a multi-sensory level, which often contributes to self-expression and supports their social and emotional well-being. Offered in group and one-on-one

Offered in group and one-on-one settings.

Personalized Art Sessions and Creative Care Kits

Private art sessions are designed to inspire self-expression and memory collection through painting, art observation, and collage. As memories are shared during art sessions, we capture these “gems of information” about each person to develop a personalized creative care kit.  Creative Care Kits are designed to strengthen the individual’s connection to areas of their lives that cultivate purpose, meaning, joy, and self-esteem, and often alleviate negative side effects associated with dementia. Consulting for successful use of creative care kits for families and care partners is available and encouraged.

All of our individual programs are personalized according to interests and abilities. Although art has a huge place in our programs, many of our clients who are not interested in the arts benefit from the creative ways we approach life enrichment based on their individual preferences. 

Expressive Painting

Expressive Painting offers hands-on art making for people living with all levels of dementia. By focusing on personal preference within the experience above the outcome, we can build self-esteem, confidence, and purpose while supporting each person’s way of making their mark in this world.

Offered in group and one-on-one settings.

Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God created us out of pure love and He invites us to be with Him in the creative process. When we explore creativity with an open mind and curiousity, we open ourselves to new experiences and opportunities to create new memories.

BIBLE STUDIES

By blending paintings, faith-based messages, and guided conversation, we offer an opportunity for spiritual connection and increased emotional well-being in community.  Both creativity and spirituality reach beyond cognitive decline, therefore, images in art can tell stories of faith and support participants as they connect with their own personal stories of perseverance, hope and joy. 

Offered in group and one-on-one settings.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

In addition to inviting caregivers to participate with their loved one, we are also here to support you with your questions and challenges. We have many resources to share, both practical and spiritual. Please feel free to email tiffany@artisanmind.org or call 916-792-3281.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.   -Hebrews 10: 23