McMichael Accessible Program for Individuals Living with Dementia

The Artwell program is developed and delivered in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of York Region. Artwell is a series of interactive artmaking programs that supports emotional connections, encouraging memory recall, experimentation, and gentle social interaction among individuals living with dementia.

The visual arts and music are recognized as having therapeutic benefits for individuals living with dementia. Viewing and creating art allows participants to focus on their capabilities instead of focussing on what they can no longer achieve.

The goal of the program is to reduce isolation and instill a sense of purpose while providing a memorable cultural experience and an opportunity to strengthen bonds between participants and caregivers.

Each two-hour session is offered monthly. Each session is facilitated by two McMichael Educators and up to two volunteers. Registration is required.

One session per month, Saturday or Sunday, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm:

• September 14, 2024
• October 13, 2024
• November 10, 2024
• December 8, 2024
• January 12, 2025
• February 9, 2025

This workshop will explore the joy of using colour in abstract art. Participants will begin by examining different colours and reflecting on how each colour can evoke different memories. We will look at colour in connection with emotion, place, and time. Participants will experiment with mixing and distorting imagery using different artmaking techniques.

Participants will explore different natural objects found in the Canadian landscape. We will explore smells, textures, shapes, and colours, as well as how to incorporate these sensations in artmaking.

This program will explore the connections between different types of fabric, with a particular focus on texture. Participants will feel, smell, and look at different types of fabric and thread while trying to evoke memories. The workshop will culminate in the creation of a colourful print placed on top of a textured background.

In this workshop, participants will examine vintage postcards. They will look at images, text, and personal messages to try to evoke memories of a personal experience. Participants will be encouraged to create a postcard with a personal message if they choose to do so.

This workshop will engage the participants in the art of touch. We will use clay to explore different feelings, temperatures, and smells. Clay therapy provides creative stimulation, encourages social interaction, and develops fine motor skills. These tactile sensations may evoke memories of other experiences, such as cooking or working with tools.

This workshop will explore sounds and music. Participants will create a piece of art in direct response to the music they hear. We will try to evoke memories of the people and places that the music reminds them of.

Participation Guidelines

• For adults living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Pre-registration is required.
• Maximum number of participants per workshop – ten participants (plus caregivers).
• Caregivers must remain present throughout the workshop.
• Parking and Gallery Admission are included.

Each caregiver/family will receive a Family Pass to enjoy the McMichael at their leisure on another day of their choice.

Please note:

This is not a transfer of care program. Caregivers are responsible for the participants for the duration of the workshop.