The Memory Collage Workshop is a guided art experience designed to awaken personal memories, stimulate creativity, and foster connections across generations. Blending storytelling and hands-on collage-making, this session invites seniors to reflect on moments that have shaped their lives and transform them into works of art.

The workshop begins with a calming guided visualization exercise. Participants are invited to close their eyes and embark on a peaceful journey into their past: revisiting a childhood home, a celebration, or a quiet moment of personal significance. As memories arise, they are encouraged to notice colors, emotions, sounds, or people associated with those moments.

Following this reflective experience, participants transition into the collage-making activity, where they use a variety of materials like magazine clippings, patterned papers, stickers, fabric scraps and natural elements such as dried flowers or leaves to create a visual representation of their memories. The focus is not on perfection, but on personal expression, sensory engagement, and storytelling through symbols.

Youth volunteers work alongside seniors or assist with cutting and gluing. These moments often lead to rich conversations as participants share the meaning behind their creations.

Finished collages may be displayed on our website honoring the participant’s journey.

Key Benefits:

• Stimulates autobiographical memory and cognitive recall

• Enhances emotional well-being through creative expression

• Strengthens fine motor skills and attention

• Encourages empathy and connection

• Creates space for reflection and community sharing