Artpark's Memory Cafe: Sensing Here & Now

Enjoy music, movement & art-making at our free series for those with neurological changes in memory/thinking & their care partners. ARTPARK'S MEMORY CAFE PROGRAM: SENSING HERE & NOW A FREE, monthly Respite with Partners program at Artpark for loved ones impacted by dementia and care partners! Sensing Here & Now at Artpark specifically celebrates you, our guests, by sharing Artpark’s mission of “a transformative world of engagement”. You’ll experience relaxed, interactive, sensory-rich activities accessible for all and restorative for care partners. Each gathering is centered in music, accessible art-making and fun movement games to awaken sensory enjoyment through our five senses. All attendees can choose to participate or simply observe. It is a valid choice to soak up the energy of the music and other people without actually “doing”. Any place in the spectrum of observing-participating is embraced and respected. Don’t be surprised if we dub our program UNmemory Café because being able to remember is NOT required! This is a “no answers are wrong” program. All interactive input is valued and respected. Some of our activities may spark a memory or felt emotions. Other activities intentionally release memory-based restrictions to embrace our Artpark Cafe motto “There is only now”, so famously said by dance innovator George Balanchine. ARTPARK’s SENSING HERE & NOW brings you evidence-based strategies that offer pleasurable non-clinical interventions designed to enhance quality of life for people living with dementia, care partners and friends. Led by Cynthia Pegado, certified and trained dementia programs facilitator. Artpark's Memory Cafe is made possible by Exhale and its funders: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York. Additional support for this programming is provided by M&T Bank and Ingram Micro. Artpark is a proud member of Dementia Friendly America's Memory Café Alliance.