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

The workshop begins with a calming guided visualization exercise. Participants are invited to close their eyes and take a peaceful journey into their past—perhaps revisiting a childhood home, a joyful celebration, or a quiet moment of personal meaning. As memories rise to the surface, 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—magazine clippings, patterned papers, stickers, fabric scraps, natural elements like dried flowers or leaves, and drawing tools—to create a visual representation of their memory. The focus is not on artistic perfection, but on personal expression, sensory engagement, and storytelling through symbols.

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

The workshop concludes with an optional story-sharing circle, where participants can talk about their collages—what they created, what memories surfaced, and what those memories mean to them now. This reflection encourages self-awareness, validation, and community bonding.

Finished collages may be displayed in a “Memory Gallery,” honoring each participant’s journey and giving family and friends a window into the beautiful stories that live within.

Key Benefits:

• Stimulates autobiographical memory and cognitive recall

• Enhances emotional well-being through creative expression

• Strengthens fine motor skills and attention

• Encourages intergenerational empathy and connection

• Creates space for meaning-making, reflection, and community sharing