Upcoming Saturday workshop dates: February 25, March 24, April 28, and May 26 (ALL ARE FULL UNTIL JUNE); Saturday dates still open are July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27, November 24, and December 29

Upcoming Tuesday workshop dates: March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4

All workshops from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Art Studio Classroom
To register: 608.256.6445, ext. 156, at least 24 hours in advance

SPARK! is intergenerational cultural programming for people with memory loss. This regional effort to connect those with memory loss to their children and grandchildren, as well as other youth in the community, includes nine other museums in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In the spring of 2010, Madison Children’s Museum received a $6,500 grant from the Milwaukee-based Helen Bader Foundation to help families affected by memory loss through piloting monthly workshops in the Art Studio, where participants can awaken memories through the creation and discussion of art. Monthly programs are 90 minutes long and are free, including parking. A reception with refreshments follows each session, held on the fourth Saturday of each month as well as the first Tuesday of each month. SPARK! aims to develop and strengthen ties between family members, and provides an opportunity for participants to make new friends. At present, MCM is the only children’s museum offering the workshops. Helen Bader Foundation awarded MCM another $22,000 in summer 2011 to continue and expand SPARK! programming.

Arts Coordinator Angela Johnson, who leads the programs, went through specialized training provided by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association-Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. SPARK! is modeled off the New York Museum of Modern Art’s successful “Meet Me at MoMA” program, which uses art to tap into the pasts of those with memory loss.

It is hoped that three generations of families affected by memory loss — a grandparent, a parent, and a grandchild — take part in the sessions, but SPARK! participants also have included groups of residents at memory care centers and nursing homes, as well as Girl Scouts doing badge work that requires intergenerational activities.

For more information about SPARK!, please contact Angela Johnson by email or at 608.354.0146.