Collective Creativity

Collective Creativity Finding joy in creating as a care team, family and community

Hummingbird Memory Cafe

Collective Creativity Finding joy in creating as a care team, family and community

Hummingbird Memory Cafe

HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE

www.hummingbirdmemorycafe.com

Collective Creativity is intended to provide activities for fun and personal enrichment between multiple generations in a home. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice and counseling.

Users of Collective Creativity are encouraged to seek their own advice when deemed necessary. All involved with the creation of Collective Creativity disclaim any liability arising from application of information included within.

Suggestions are made for how items might be used. Please adapt to the artist's situation, interests and abilities while using all items safely. Please contact the café if you have any questions about the content of this book.

Published 2023 by Hummingbird Memory Cafe All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Cover design and layout of book by Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum.

Images accessed from canva.com except when noted otherwise.

Inspiration | Reflection | Creativity | Community Other books by the Hummingbird Memory Cafe Family Book of Joy Brenda and Billy's Beautiful Balloon Ride Mikey Franklin's Friendship Poetic Pauses Springer ‘Spirations Yanceyisms

Collective Creativity is dedicated to all of us who are reimagining a better world where we all have access to what we need to thrive and find joy in our JOurneYs.

Creativity is intelligence having fun.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

INSIDE

01 Build Your Own Creativity Kit

Incorporate supplies around the home into your kit.

04

Think Outside the Box

The first chapter of many that shares ideas about the theme of creativity as not just something to do, but as a mindset to how we approach our daily lives.

32

Connect with Resources

Explore books, websites and other resources reimagining how we can live better with dementia and find joy in all of our JOurneYs.

34

Cafe Foundations

Read more about the history, mission, vision and values of the cafe.

Introduction Collective Creativity: Finding joy in creating as a care team, family or community represents the creative spirit that can thrive within the hearts of individuals living with dementia, their carers, and the communities that rally around them.

In these pages, we embark on a shared exploration, seeking to reimagine a world where we can all live better and find joy in our JOurneYs. It is an odyssey that invites us to celebrate the power of imagination, the joy of self-expression, and the profound impact of creativity on the human soul.

Creativity transforms all of us. It bridges gaps, fosters empathy, and nurtures a sense of belonging. In the face of challenges, it becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a better world for all of us. This book is inspired by our cafe conversations and in-person and virtual interactions providing a wellspring of ideas, curated with care and crafted with love. It serves as a gentle reminder that within every stroke of color, every melody, and every creative endeavor, there lies an opportunity to create meaningful connections and forge a future where compassion reigns supreme.

As we embark on this JOurneY together, let us embrace the limitless possibilities that creativity affords us. Let us champion the voices of those often unheard, celebrating their unique perspectives and cherishing the wisdom that comes with lived experiences. Let us reimagine a world where the tapestry of our collective existence is woven with threads of understanding, kindness, and boundless creativity.

May Collective Creativity inspire you, uplift you, and remind you of the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us and our creative endeavors. Together, let us embark on this creative JOurneY, reimagining a better world for all of us.

Build Your Own Creativity Kit

Collective Creativity | 1

BUILD YOUR OWN

CREATIVITY KIT

USING SUPPLIES AROUND YOUR HOME Looking for a quick creative idea, but lacking “official” art supplies? Enjoy these suggestions for creating from supplies you most likely have in your home right now.

Basic Supplies Painting Tools Glue Q-tips Coffee filters Sponges Cloth scraps (cut into shapes if you like) Magazines Toothbrushes Writing and drawing Leaves supplies Yarn Tissue paper Apples or potatoes Crumples paper towels Painting Surfaces Wood Suggestions for Using Supplies Paper painting with supplies on various materials Cardboard collage with magazines and scrap cloth Paper bag wreath with scrap cloth doodling drawing circles Sources of Paint A mixture of flour, water, and food coloring Food coloring mixed with water Ketchup, mustard, and other condiments with vibrant colors Used coffee grounds can be mixed with water or white glue Colorful spices can be mixed with water or glue Colored yogurt can be used for finger painting A mixture of cornstarch, water, and food coloring Watercolor paint can be made by placing the tip of a washable marker in water.

Always test a small area first when using unconventional materials as paint to ensure they work as expected and won't damage the surface you're painting on. Additionally, be mindful of the safety and toxicity of the materials to the artists using the materials.

No Special Supplies Needed Photography with cell phone Singing Storytelling Dancing or moving in ways you like and can engage safely

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BUILD YOUR OWN

CREATIVITY KIT

USING SUPPLIES AROUND YOUR HOME EÚ« ®e ¸he ²¸ ®ke² & «kc¸½®e² f a Ôa®ke¸Û f ®eadk g a¸e®ka ²ň Magaäk e «age² ca be ½²ed f ® c agk g ® c®ea¸k g «½ää e²ň Ask friends and family for magazines they are finished reading.

Check out local discount stores for inexpensive magazines as well.

I c ½de ² e¸hk g ¸ha¸ ®e k d² Û ½ ¸ ¸a~e ¸k e ¸ ®e aÚ ²½ch a² a dec ®a¸kÔe a«~k ® a ²«ecka c½«ň Local discount stores have inexpensive items like napkins and other household items that may provide inspiration for creating special moments in your home.

E ha ce ¸he de e ¸ka JO½® eY Õk¸hk ¸he c f ®¸ f Û ½® Õ h e a d ¸h® ½gh ½¸ Û ½® c ½ k¸Û bÛ k c ½dk g a Ôa®ke¸Û f ®e² ½®ce² k Û ½® «e®² a käed c®ea¸kÔk¸Û ~k¸ň F ® a Õea ¸h f ¸®a ²f ® a¸kÔe kdea²ʼn eÚ« ®e ¸he ®e² ½®ce k²¸ ca¸ed «age ĒĒň Thk² c½®a¸ed c «k a¸k e c «a²²e² k Ôa ½ab e c ¸ac¸ k f ® a¸k ʼn c ec¸k g Û ½ Õk¸h ®ga käa¸k ² a d k k¸ka¸kÔe² dedkca¸ed ¸ ®ek agk k g de e ¸ka a d f ²¸e®k g k Ôa¸kÔe a««® ache² Õhk e e « Õe®k g «e « e kÔk g Õk¸h de e ¸ka a d ¸hek® ca®e®²ň B a®d a d ca®d ga e² ca « aÛ a ²kg kfkca ¸ ® e k e ha ck g ¸he kÔe² f k dkÔkd½a ² Õk¸h de e ¸kaň C ²kde® c g k¸kÔe abk k¸ke²ʼn k ¸e®e²¸²ʼn a d «®efe®e ce² Õhe ²e ec¸k g ga e² a d ada«¸ ® dkfÛ h Õ ¸he ga e k² « aÛed ¸ ²½k¸ ¸he ²«eckfkc eed² a d abk k¸ke² f ¸he « aÛe®²ň C ²kde® ga e² Õk¸h c ea® ®½ e²ʼn ²k « e k ²¸®½c¸k ²ʼn a d a ageab e ¸k e f®a e²ň

Collective Creativity | 3

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CREATIVITY

& IMAGINATION Creativity: the production or use of original ideas Thinking Outside the Box: the production or use of original ideas in ways no one else but you has yet imagined Collective Creativity: Finding joy in creating as a care team, family or community «® Ôkde² a Û ²½gge²¸k ² f ® e gagk g k ea k gf½ k ¸e®ac¸k ² Õk¸h ¸he®² ® e z Ûk g k e ¸² f ­½ke¸ a eň Collective Creativity a ² «® Ôkde² «« ®¸½ k¸ke² ¸ fk d ² ½¸k ² ¸ eÕ cha e ge² bÛ c ŝc®ea¸k g Õk¸h ¸he®² ® k ½® Õ ² k¸½deň Wha¸ a®e ¸he® ²¸®a¸egke² Û ½ ½²e ¸ ² Ôe eÔe®ÛdaÛ «® b e ²ŏ S e ÕaÛ² ¸ fk d ² ½¸k ² ¸ cha e ge² d½®k g ¸he daÛ k c ½de k «® Ôk²k g ŗg k g Õk¸h ¸he f ÕŘ «a½²k g a d ²k¸¸k g k ­½ke¸ a²~k g ¸he®² Õh haÔe bee k ²k k a® ²k¸½a¸k ² c ²½ ¸k g «® fe²²k a ² a² eeded d d k g ŗ ® e gagk g k ¸he® a®¸Ř Õhk e Û ½ ®ef ec¸ ¸he ²k¸½a¸k b®ak ²¸ ® k g ¸he « ²²kbk k¸ke² k²¸e k g ¸ ½²kc ¸ha¸ k ²«k®e² Û ½ eÚe®ck²k g EÚ« ®e ÕaÛ² ¸ha¸ Õ ®~ f ® Û ½ k fk dk g ² ½¸k ² ¸ ¸h ²e cha e ge² Û ½ e c ½ ¸e®ň

Collective Creativity | 5

Everyday Engagement Provides

Opportunities for Creative Solutions

Think of a time when a problem had to be addressed and the solution was not obvious.

Your creativity allowed you to find a solution.

Creativity is more often associated with the arts, but in looking at the everyday, consider how you have been able to see a situation in a variety of ways to arrive at the solution to a problem.

Creativity allows us to feel liberated in the way we embark on our personal JOurneY. We are able to see all of the ways we can do Life and embrace challenges as opportunities for our growth.

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using everyday items

as memory aids

Write reminders on Post-It Notes or on a dry erase board. Post where you can see them easily.

CONSIDER How do you use your cell phone as a memory aid?

A cell phone can provide reminders in a variety of ways:

Share a memory over light refreshments!

Make lists on a Notes app Take pictures of things or places that you want to remember Use the calendar function for appointment reminders Use the microphone setting to dictate what you want to say if typing on the phone is challenging

your favorite snack Collective Creativity | 7

Pleasure in Painting 8 | Hummingbird Memory Cafe

Painting with Acrylics If you are new to painting, take some time to experiment with holding the brushes and seeing what lines you can create with each brush.

Next, take some time to experiment with mixing small amounts of the paint on paper or on a paper plate. Basic primary color combinations are listed below. Try mixing other colors as well.

YELLOW

RED

ORANGE

RED

BLUE

PURPLE

BLUE

YELLOW

GREEN

Once you have explored using your brushes and experimenting with colors, consider creating works of art with various shapes and designs. The internet provides many resources for beginning painters to learn more about this art form including how-to videos.

Collective Creativity | 9

KINDNESS ROCKS ACRYLIC PAINT ON SMOOTH ROCK

Supplies

Smooth rocks Acrylic paint Paint brush(es) Paint marker pen

Multiple Options for Creating Your Rocks Paint the entire rock and let it dry before creating on top of the painted background.

Write on the rock as it is.

Add words and/or pictures that inspire you.

A clear coating can be applied after the paint and marker have dried to seal the paint and add shine to the rock.

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In what ways can poetry serve as an inspiration for painting or other forms of creativity? How might painting inspire the creation of an original poem?

Colors All Around Us HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE

Beautiful green leaves Restful to my eyes Bluebirds gliding Over land and skies Sun sets and rises O'er the ocean blue Making for a Beautiful hue This land of wheat And golden grain Thirsts for sunshine And for rain Tie a yellow ribbon 'Round the golden hair Looking at colors Seen everywhere Collective Creativity | 11

WATERCOLOR TIPS as shared by Wally Cox at the Hum ingbird Memory Cafe

The Hummingbird Memory Cafe family was very fortunate to be co-facilitated

by Wally Cox in July 2022, a member of Reimagining Dementia and a watercolor artist as well.

Wally shared many watercolor painting tips with us at the cafe: Supplies Use quality watercolor painting paper. Wally uses 140# paper.

Pick 2-3 quality paintbrushes. Wally uses #8, #16, #50 for his original creations.

Use blue masking tape to secure paper so that the paper does not buckle and complicate the painting process. Wally uses blue masking tape as it is easy to remove from the watercolor paper.

Prepare for Painting Trace the picture you would like to paint on see through paper with a pencil.

After you trace what you want to paint onto paper, tape it to a bright window, place your watercolor paper on top, then trace onto the watercolor paper.

Tape down the tracing.

Lightly erase the bulk of the work you’ve drawn on your watercolor paper to a faint background, using a GOOD quality eraser, not the pencil eraser… this will show you where to drop on your water prior to adding your paint.

Let's Paint!

Paint the picture first with water and then add color.

Break up where you are painting on the page so that colors do not run together. For example, alternate painting petals on a flower and allow to dry. Return to petals and paint those that were left blank the first time through.

Modify the color of your paint by mixing it with different amounts of water before applying to paper. More water=lighter color. Less water=darker color.

What Can Be Learned from Painting Be in the moment with your art. Leave your cares behind as you create.

Consider what you might create from the art pieces that did not work out as you had planned.

However, we do not have to keep every art piece we create. Give yourself permission to get rid of the work that you do not like.

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MORE TIPS ABOUT watercolor painting More tips to improve your experience in working with watercolors are included below.

In watercolor painting, you're not the only artist. Water does its own thing, yielding unpredictable results every time. Watercolor artists work WITH water to create surprising effects.

Technique 1: Wet-on-Wet Wet brush on damp paper Watercolor on a wet surface blooms, spreads, and flows wherever there is water. Wet-on-wet makes it easy to mix colors and create smooth gradients.

Technique 2: Wet-on-Dry Wet brush on dry paper As an artist, you have more control over where the paint goes. It is also possible to create distinct borders, and layer colors without mixing them.

Technique 3: Dry Brush Dry brush on dry paper This yields interesting effects, especially on textured paper. The paint colors are purest and most intense with the dry brush technique, but they will not flow.

Bonus Techniques Water and paint are not the only things you can experiment with. Watercolor reacts to different substances in wonderful ways. Try sprinkling salt or using crayons before adding paint, and see what happens!

“7 Watercolor Tips for Beginners.” Strathmore Artist, October 26, 2018, www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/id-7-watercolortips-for-beginners.html. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

Adapted from Canva Template. Accessed 1 July 2022.

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The Art of Paper

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tissue paper as an art medium Colored tissue paper is often used to stuff gift bags and then just thrown away. How might tissue paper be used again? How could it be incorporated into art you are creating or in addressing every day needs?

To begin with, the paper might be used to wrap something special to be shared with another.

The tissue paper can also be torn into shapes and included in a collage, glued on an empty jar or glued on another creative surface (for example, a paper plate).

Clump up small pieces of the tissue paper and add to a collage or make a 3D picture with the wads of paper.

How many ways can you use colored tissue paper?

Collective Creativity | 15

origami: unfolding the beauty of paper art The unique characteristics of origami paper make it ideal for the art of origami, allowing artists to create intricate and visually appealing folded paper designs.

The paper can also be incorporated into collages or other art forms.

Folding the paper can create interesting shapes. A couple of simple examples are included below.

Did you ever make a paper airplane? A basic design is shown here, but experiment with different kinds of paper airplanes to see what flies best!

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A simple paper fan is often made when we are feeling warm in some settings. Here are a couple of simple fans made from folding the paper back and forth like an accordion.

Secure with glue or tape if you prefer.

Beyond the Table: Paper Napkins as an Element of Original Artwork Beautiful decorative napkins provide a fanciful touch to a drink, snack or a meal.

They can also be painted on, used as background for a picture or included in a collage as the entire napkin or torn into pieces.

Tips: Experiment with different techniques and styles. Napkins come in various colors and patterns, so you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Seal your artwork with an appropriate varnish or sealer to protect it from moisture and preserve the colors. (Use appropriate safety precautions when using varnish or sealer.)

Napkins are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid unintentional tearing.

With a bit of creativity, you can incorporate napkins into your art projects in unique and visually appealing ways.

Collective Creativity | 17

Creativity & Narratives

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WRITE A BOOK What message(s) do you want to get out to the world?

S e kdea² ¸ ge¸ Û ½® b ~ ²¸a®¸ed kgh¸ k c ½de I² ¸he®e a ²¸ ®Û k Û ½® fa k Û ¸ha¸ ha² bee «a²²ed d Õ ¸h® ½gh ge e®a¸k ² ¸ha¸ Û ½ Õ ½ d k~e ¸ ²ha®eŏ D Û ½ haÔe a c ec¸k f « e ² ¸ha¸ Û ½ haÔe Õ®k¸¸e ¸ha¸ Û ½ Õ ½ d k~e ¸ ®ga käe k ¸ ¸he ²«ace f e b ~ŏ W ½ d Û ½ k~e ¸ ¸e a ²¸ ®Û ½²k g Û «kc¸½®e²ŏ Ca Û ½ c ŝc®ea¸e a ²¸ ®Û Õk¸h ² e e e ²e ab ½¸ a ¸ «kc Û ½ b ¸h a®e k ¸e®e²¸ed k ŏ Sha®e Û ½® b ~ Õk¸h ¸he®²ō The k¸e ² be Õ aÛ be ½²ef½ k Û ½® adÔe ¸½®e k c®ea¸k g a ®kgk a b ~Ŋ

Ma®~e®² add c ® ¸ Û ½® ²¸ ®Ûň

S¸ ®Û ²¸a®¸e® ® affk® a¸k ca®d² aÛ k ²«k®e Û ½® ²¸ ®Ûň

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JOURNALING TO EXPRESS OURSELVES A z ½® a «® Ôkde² «« ®¸½ k¸ke² f ® eÚ«®e²²k g Û ½®²e f k ÕhkcheÔe® ÕaÛ Û ½ e z Ûň S e Õ®k¸k g ® d®aÕk g «® «¸² ¸ c ²kde®Ŋ Wha¸ haÔe Û ½ ea® ed Ôe® ¸he a²¸ Ûea®ŏ Wha¸ d Û ½ ~ f ®Õa®d ¸ ea® k g ®e ab ½¸ k ¸he ½«c k g Ûea®ŏ Wha¸ a®e Û ½ ²¸ ¸ha ~f½ f ®ŏ Wha¸ k ²«k®e² Û ½ ¸ be c®ea¸kÔeŏ H Õ Õk Û ½ ce eb®a¸e kfe ¸ daÛŏ Wha¸ ¸kÔa¸e² Û ½ ¸ begk Û ½® daÛŏ O¸he® c®ea¸kÔe ²½«« ke² ¸ ²«a®~ kdea² f ® Û ½® z ½® a e ¸®ke² kgh¸ k c ½de ²¸ ®Û ²¸a®¸e® ® affk® a¸k ca®d² a d c ®k g ²½«« ke²ň

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Repurpose with Everyday Items

Collective Creativity | 21

Repurpose Greeting Cards

How often have we received greeting cards, enjoyed their messages and then questioned what we might do with them next?

When contemplating what the fate might be of these well wishes, seasons' greetings and other intentions, consider their colors, shapes and construction, as well as needs and wants you may have around your home.

Consider repurposing greeting cards as gift tags, postcards, bookmarks, collage materials, puzzles, thank you notes and more.

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Repurpose An Empty Jar An empty jar can be a vessel for creative ideas when we are looking for something to do. It can also store affirmations that we may need to hear during our more difficult moments.

Create a “fun-do” jar for those days when you are looking for something fun to do and/or a “thank-you” jar when you need an affirmation: 1.Find a jar (with or without a lid).

2.Write one fun thing you could do on an index card for the “fun-do” jar or write a statement that you need to hear on those days when things are not going as well as you would like.

3. Fold the card in half and place in the jar.

4. Repeat #1-#3 until the jar is full.

5. Label the jar as a reminder of its purpose.

6. Pull out a card when you are looking for something fun to do or need to hear some words of inspiration.

7. Follow the directions for the “fun-do” cards or read the affirmation aloud and absorb its inspiration.

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REPURPOSE A COTT ON BAG S a c ¸¸ bag² aÛ be ®ecekÔed a² a gkf¸ bagň How might you repurpose this bag?

S e ­½e²¸k ² ¸ c ²kde®Ŋ D Û ½ ~ee« ¸he bag ® ²ha®e Õk¸h a ¸he® «e®² ŏ D Û ½ «½¸ a Û¸hk g k ¸he bagŏ If Û ½ «½¸ ² e¸hk g k ¸he bagʼn k² k¸ ¸ be c ²½ ed ® z½²¸ ef¸ k ¸he bagŏ D Û ½ dk²« aÛ ¸he bag ® ~ee« k¸ k a ²«ecka ²ec®e¸ « aceŏ Whk e Û ½ ¸hk ~ ab ½¸ h Õ Û ½ kgh¸ ®e«½®« ²e ¸hk² bagʼn he®e k² e kdea ¸ha¸ aÛ kf¸ Û ½® dň

Sensational Sensory Bag P ace k¸e ² k Û ½® bag ¸ha¸ ²¸k ½ a¸e Û ½® ²e ²e² a d b®k g Û ½ z Ûň EÚ« ®e ¸he k¸e ² daÛ² Õhe Û ½ eed a k¸¸ e "«kc~ŝ eŝ½«ō" C ²kde® ² e¸hk g ¸ha¸ ² e ² g dʼn ² e¸hk g ¸ha¸ fee ² g d ¸ ¸ ½chʼn a ² a ¸®ea¸ ¸ha¸ b®k g² Û ½ z Û ¸ ea¸ʼn ² e¸hk g ¸ha¸ b®k g² Û ½ z Û ¸ ~ a¸ a d a «kc¸½®e f ® ² e¸hk g ² a ¸ha¸ Û ½ k~e ¸ hea®ň 24 | Hummingbird Memory Cafe

Repurpose an Empty Plastic Container What are the possibilities of reusing plastic containers that so often are just thrown in the trash?

Consider looking at the container and its lid in multiple ways. Turn it on its side and upside down. Try different combinations of the lid and the main container.

Involve others in the conversation. What are their ideas?

How can our approach to this challenge apply to how we address our daily challenges?

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REPURPOSE SCRAP WOOD W ®~k g Õk¸h ²c®a« Õ d k² ¸ Û c ²¸ŝeffec¸kÔe b½¸ a ² e Ôk® e ¸a Û c ²ck ½²ň Wk¸h c®ea¸kÔk¸Û a d ¸he ®kgh¸ ¸ech k­½e²ŗk c ½dk g ²afe¸ÛŘʼn Û ½ ca ¸½® ²ee k g Û k ²kg kfkca ¸ «kece² f Õ d k ¸ bea½¸kf½ a d f½ c¸k a c®ea¸k ²ň H Õ kgh¸ ¸hk² Õ d be ¸®a ²f ® ed ® z½²¸ a««®ecka¸ed f ® Õha¸ k¸ k²ŏ L ~ a¸ ¸he Õ d f® ½ ¸k« e a g e² ¸ ge¸ a ²e ²e f Õha¸ k¸ k² ® kgh¸ bec eň C ²kde® ¸he® a®¸ ²½«« ke² ¸ha¸ kgh¸ be k c ®« ®a¸ed k ¸ Û ½® kdea² ²½ch a² «ak ¸ʼn a®~e®² a d c agk g ²½«« ke²ň

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MISCELLANEOUS

CREATIVE

IDEAS Collective Creativity | 27

Doodling

Creating artistic doodles is a fun and creative way to express yourself through simple drawings. All the artist needs are basic tools like pens, pencils, markers, and paper or any drawing surface. Doodles can also be created digitally on a tablet or computer.

Inspiration can be found in many places including nature, objects, or our own imagination. Start with simple shapes as a foundation and then fill them in with patterns, lines, and designs.

Embrace imperfections and enjoy the process without worrying about mistakes. Practice regularly to improve your skills and develop your own unique style.

The beauty of artistic doodles lies in their simplicity and personal touch. There are no right or wrong ways to create doodles, so feel free to let your imagination run wild and have fun exploring the world of doodling! Adapt to your situation, keeping in mind the artist's interests and abilities.

Original doodles created by Flo Trujillo (left) and Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum (right) utilizing marker on paper and colored pencil on matboard, respectively.

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Combining different kinds of textures within a collage can create unique effects. The image can appear to go in all directions--off the surface where the materials are attached, above the surface, etc.

Materials can be randomly glued to the surface (or attached in other ways).

Consider also creating pictures with a variety of materials.

As with all art, there is no right or wrong.

Just enjoy working with the supplies and see where your imagination takes you.

Use supplies you have around your home to add to your collage.

Group collages created at Hummingbird Memory Cafe.

SUPPLIES magazines or other sources of pictures & words glue stick posterboard or other large space on which to glue pictures & words consider other objects to include in collage such as dried flowers/plants or cloth OTHER TIPS Tear pictures instead of using scissors to cut.

Glue pictures on various surfaces--posterboard, paper plates, cardboard, cardstock, butcher paper--the potential is limitless!

Create collages together in small or large groups.

Adapt collaging to the artists’ interests and abilities.

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CELL PHONE

PHOTOGRAPHY

A cell phone can be used to capture special moments and improve our photography skills with regular use.

CLEAN THE CAMERA LENS Use a lint-free cloth to clean the lens of the camera.

CHOOSE A SUBJECT What do you want the viewer to see? What story do you want to tell?

USE NATURAL LIGHT Begin your photography journey by taking photographs in natural light and keeping the flash off.

AVOID ZOOMING IN ON THE SUBJECT It will likely not improve the quality of your image and may even blur the photo.

BE CREATIVE Use different angles. Take pictures at different times of the day to see how well your camera utilizes natural light. We become more proficient at something as we practice.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS As you master the basics of using your phone's camera, explore the editing options on your phone to see how you can modify your photo's color, size, shape, for example.

For more information, visit https://expertphotography.com/the-complete-guide-tosmartphone-photography-96-tips/.

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Let's Create Together

How can we create across generations?

SING, DANC E

PLAY

READ

MEDITATE PRAY ENJOY QUIET TIME

EXPLORE NATURE TRY SOMETHING NEW

COLOR, DRAW, PAINT, WRITE

EXERCISE SPEND TIME WITH PETS

SHARE STORIES

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"Boosters for Joy: A Guide on Ways to Connect"

by AARP https://bit.ly/3QA1Zvl "Children's Reading List: Books About Dementia"

by Hummingbird Memory Cafe https://bit.ly/47emUdb "Cooking Our Way: A Cookbook by and for People Living with Dementia" by Dementia Action Alliance https://bit.ly/3sdqJ3k Dementia Map https://www.dementiamap.com/ Dementia Possibilities https://bit.ly/3Qhcl27 Generations United https://www.gu.org/ Google Arts and Culture https://artsandculture.google.com/ Hummingbird Memory Cafe https://linktr.ee/hummingbirdmemorycafe Museum of Modern Art, NYC Access Programs https://www.moma.org/calendar/groups/39 Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice https://www.reimaginingdementia.com/ "The Alzheimer’s Creativity Project 2"

by Jytte Lokvig Time Slips https://www.timeslips.org/ Collective Creativity | 33

CAFE FOUNDATIONS

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The mission of the Hummingbird Memory Cafe is to provide a relaxing place for people with dementia and their carers to gather, celebrate humanity, and make connections with others in similar situations.

The cafe has been coordinated by a group of community volunteers. This leadership approach has allowed the cafe to maintain their mission, values and vision without compromise.

The cafe’s focus has pivoted from in-person and virtual gatherings to one of a clearinghouse of resources created by both our cafe family as well as other individuals and organizations reimagining a world that allows all of us to not just survive, but thrive and find joy in all of our JOurneYs. We are grateful to individuals and organizations who have engaged at the cafe gatherings and continue to stay in touch via social media, email and phone calls. We are also grateful to those individuals, businesses and organizations who have made in-kind donations and shared their knowledge and skills to support the activities of the café.

Thank you to everyone involved with the cafe family. Everyone who engages with the cafe brings something special-your ideas, your sense of humor, your stories and more. We are all so lucky to have each other, especially as the world around us is going through so many changes. If you are interested in learning more about the cafe, please contact the café.

CONTACT US

Phone/Text: 505-787-6322 Email: hummingbirdmemorycafe@gmail.com Website: www.hummingbirdmemorycafe.com

CONNECT WITH US @hummingbirdmemorycafe

Collective Creativity | 35

A MEMORY CAFE IS

a place to relax, have fun, and meet others an opportunity for carers to renew their relationship with the person in their life who has dementia a unique experience apart from the normal routines unique in character, based on the interests and style of the community where it is located and whom the cafe serves welcoming and accessible for all free of charge a time to leave dementia at the door and just enjoy ourselves coordinated by community advocates and/or volunteers with experience or training in working with individuals with cognitive changes a potential first step toward a dementia-friendly community The café is not a workshop, seminar, or lecture on dementia.

The café is not a respite program.

The café is not just another party or happy hour.

The café is not a day care program.

VALUES OF THE CAFE

Inclusive. Venues and activities are accessible to all regardless of abilities. There is no cost to those who attend. Organization of the café addresses the needs of the participants and our community.

Creativity. A variety of activities are provided to allow participants to express themselves and communicate what words can't.

Fellowship. Participants are able to make connections with others in similar situations.

Dignity. The cafe is free of the stigma associated with dementia.

Normalcy. Individuals with dementia and their carers come together and enjoy themselves in a purely social gathering.

Loving Kindness. The volunteers of the cafe empathize with our participants and provide genuine care and commitment to engaging with them.

VISION OF THE CAFE

Multiple cafes will be established catering to the needs of the individual participants and their carers. Memory cafes will support the growth of our community as an inclusive living space, including the designation as dementia friendly.

36 | Hummingbird Memory Cafe

THE HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE STORY

Gather.Celebrate.Connect.

1997 FIRST MEMORY CAFE OPENS IN THE NETHERLANDS 2000 UK OPENS FIRST MEMORY CAFE 2008 FIRST US MEMORY CAFE OPENS IN SANTA FE, NM FEB 2020 HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE GATHERS IN PERSON APRIL 2020 CAFE PIVOTS TO ONLINE GATHERINGS & IN HOME CREATIVITY KITS 2022 ONLINE GATHERINGS AND KIT DELIVERIES CONTINUE 2023 CAFE CONTINUES KIT DELIVERIES SEASONALLY & FOCUSES ON SHARING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LIVING BETTER WITH DEMENTIA VIA SOCIAL MEDIA September 2019 Planning for the Hummingbird Memory Cafe begins with gatherings of various community members who have a personal and/or professional connection to dementia. Community members recognize that those of us living with dementia and our carers could benefit from the social connection that is provided at a memory cafe. No memory cafes are operating in Northwest New Mexico at this time. Logistics of the café are determined.

January 2020 Volunteers attend training with Dr. Jytte Lokvig, the founder of memory cafes in the United States, to discuss appropriate communication when interacting with someone with dementia, as well as examples of creative engagement.

February 2020 The Hummingbird Memory Café opens to in-person gatherings at the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Annex in Farmington, New Mexico.

Spring 2020-Present COVID-19 responses include transitioning to online cafes and home delivery of creativity kits.

Collective Creativity | 37

YOU ARE INVITED TO

Brainstorm what you will create today.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO

What are you curious about?

Collective Creativity: Finding joy in creating as a care team, family or community represents the creative spirit that can thrive within the hearts of individuals living with dementia, their carers, and the communities that rally around them.

In these pages, we embark on a shared exploration, seeking to reimagine a world where we can all live better and find joy in our JOurneYs. It is an odyssey that invites us to celebrate the power of imagination, the joy of self-expression, and the profound impact of creativity on the human soul.

Creativity transforms all of us. It bridges gaps, fosters empathy, and nurtures a sense of belonging. In the face of challenges, it becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a better world for all of us. This book is inspired by our cafe conversations and in-person and virtual interactions providing a wellspring of ideas, curated with care and crafted with love. It serves as a gentle reminder that within every stroke of color, every melody, and every creative endeavor, there lies an opportunity to create meaningful connections and forge a future where compassion reigns supreme.

As we embark on this JOurneY together, let us embrace the limitless possibilities that creativity affords us. Let us champion the voices of those often unheard, celebrating their unique perspectives and cherishing the wisdom that comes with lived experiences. Let us reimagine a world where the tapestry of our collective existence is woven with threads of understanding, kindness, and boundless creativity.

May Collective Creativity inspire you, uplift you, and remind you of the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us and our creative endeavors. Together, let us embark on this creative JOurneY, reimagining a better world for all of us.