Overview of the Memories in the Making Art Program

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In 1983, a volunteer leader, Selly Jenny, and an art teacher, Marilyn Oropeza, together with the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County developed an art program called ‘Memories in the Making’® which provides a unique way to record the expressions of feelings through the medium of art for people suffering from dementia and limited verbal skills.

Originally, the method was developed as a public awareness tool to educate the community about Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the expressive quality of many of the paintings, the art produced developed into a compelling way to raise funds for the non profit organizations. Paintings were reproduced as greeting cards and calendars and the originals have been framed and auctioned at special art exhibitions. All funds raised benefited the Alzheimer’s Association. However, because of the power of the stories that accompany the art it was also realized that the method was most valuable as a reminiscing and ‘processing’ tool to connect the artist with those around him.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County, California, has provided training for art facilitators each year in the ‘Memories in the Making’® art method. Over the years, the Memories in the Making process has been refined and developed into a program known throughout the world.

Click on DC: Memories in the Making

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Alzheimer's dementia brings with it a constant reminder of failures and losses. The Memories in the Making® Art program is not about failure. Every picture is important and valid. Its value lies in the creative process of making the art and expressing feelings and emotions trapped inside. The ensuing sense of accomplishment brings renewed joy and self-respect to the patient.

Our exhibits present a selection of these paintings and the stories of each artist. The messages are from the person who is striving to maintain his or her own dignity and identity, despite the ravages of dementia. Each painting is named by the Alzheimer-artist and the artwork is totally their own creation.

The artists speak with powerful brush strokes of color and tentative tracings of line. They pull us into the world of an individual with Alzheimer's. As we look at their paintings, we see their stories in a language that needs no words. Their paintings show us glimpses of who they were and who they still are. They call out to us in a way we cannot ignore.

Alzheimer's & Art Therapy

  AlzheimersWeekly

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Dementias such as Alzheimer's present a unique opportunity for therapy through the arts. As people descend into Alzheimer's, there is often a heightened sense of creativity and expression through the arts, as they lose their more conventional means of communicating. Also, art does not need short-term memory. View this video about the Alzheimer's art program at the Museum of Modern Art.

I Remember Better When I Paint

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Faculty members at the Boston University School of Medicine, along with others knowledgeable in the field of Alzheimer's disease, hold a panel discussion following the Boston premiere of the film I Remember Better When I Paint, a documentary about the impact of art on Alzheimer's patients.

Hosted by Alzheimer's Disease Center on January 12, 2010.