Starting this fall, The Building for Kids Children’s Museum will expand its SPARK! Program into a monthly program and it will include more collaboration with other organizations as well as multi-generational programs.
SPARK!, a program for caregivers and loved ones living with memory loss, had its pilot program at the BFKCM in early 2015.
The first of the new series, on October 15 at 10 a.m., will feature music education students from Lawrence University bringing instruments to try and musicians from the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra engaging participants through music.
Fall SPARK! Programs at the BFKCM:
* Making Music, Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This program encourages multi-generational participation. Participants can feel free to bring kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
* Coloring with Light, Monday, November 21 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
* Holiday Travel, Monday, December 19 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Each program engages participants in interactive exhibit and hands-on experiences. They learn about different art forms and music, and get a chance to create. Past programs have included string painting, storytelling through collage and meditative rock gardens.
The art programs are led by a professional artist with a Master of Fine Arts. All programs are conducted by specially trained staff, with trainings in engagement strategies, disability accommodation, medical background on Alzheimer's and related dementia, implications of the diseases on family and social life and more.
SPARK! programs are at The Building for Kids Children’s Museum and are free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of the Mielke Family Foundation, Oak Park Place - Menasha and the Outagamie County Chapter of Thrivent Financial. To register for a program, call the BFKCM at 920-734-3226 ext. 10.
