Creating Converstations with Collage

Creating Connection

This is exercise is designed on the premise that most people with dementia need facilitation to create art. This exercise was introduced at the 2011 Society for the Arts in Dementia Conference in Ontario for Creativity and Aging.

 

The reason that many people with dementia participate in art activities is because they want to make a connection and form friendships. In essence the art activity is often both a connecting bridge to friendship. This exercise can be adapted to a workshop setting for adults and children as well.

 

This exercise is designed to use pre-existing imagery to create spark conversation, connection and creativity. The exercise illustrates the possibilities of spontaneity within structure with the help of pre-existing imagery to spark connections, and bridges to memory and creativity. This is a way to build friendship through art-making that does not involve the person with dementia to work from scratch – but to provide stimulation with a wide variety of colorful imagery and textures that spark a dialogue between the art facilitator and the participant.

 

The goal is to promote a creative, spontaneous connection through simple pre-existing imagery. The aim of the exercise is allow two people to meet and share who they are and “meet in the middle” in a collaborative artwork. In the workshop setting, participants will focus on the art of conversation, connection and bonding through art making with a partner. Participants will work with someone who they do not know. The aim is to spark connection between participants and invite a deeper level of connection making and creative rejuvenation and inspiration.

 

In a care home setting this activity has the potential to build bridges with a person with dementia and also has the potential to provide a fulfilling activity with very disabled individuals living in care as well.

 

Adaptation for a Workshop Setting for Cognitively Well Adults:

 

First Half of the Exercise

Participant # 1 is the facilitator for the first 20 minutes. The facilitator will be provided will be provided with guidelines and suggested questions but mostly will be encouraged to “meet the artist” in the middle and see where the collage and the conversation goes.

 

Participant # 2 is the artist for first 20 minutes and will create a collage on one end several peices of 8-1/2 x 11" piece of cardboard taped together that will form a collage “bridge” half way to the other participant.

 

Second Half of the Exercise

Participants then switch roles for the next 30 minutes. The artist will begin on the other end of Participant # 2 is the artist for first 20 minutes and will create a collage on one end several peices of 8-1/2 x 11" piece of cardboard taped together and through collage and conversation create a “bridge” to the first artist.

 

Final 10 Minutes

Both participants will complete the collage together with finishing touches to make it “one” cohesive art piece.

 

Materials Needed

• Magazine clippings and magazines
• Assorted papers
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Background cardboard for collage