USU to Provide Afternoon of Art Therapy for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers

Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, along with their caregivers, are invited to participate in a day of creativity and healing through art on Friday, Sept. 6.

“Museum and Memory” is an event co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services and the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art , both housed at Utah State University.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the NEHMA building at Utah State University in Logan. Participation is free of charge and light snacks will be provided, but space is limited. Please RSVP online or contact the ADRC at adrc@usu.edu or 435-557-9849.

“Structured art therapy is different from drawing or craft-making projects,” says Beth Fauth, director of the ADRC. “Although all of these can be fun, art therapy is led by an expert with specific training in working with people with impairment. We are really excited to partner with NEHMA to bring this opportunity to our community.”

“Museum and Memory” will be led by certified art therapist Susie Andruk (ART-BC), a private practitioner who is contracted with USU’s Museum of Art. Andruk will guide participants through the therapeutic art activities. The event offers a unique opportunity for people with memory problems and their caregivers to bond over a creative project and enjoy a break from their daily routines. Together, participants will explore their memories and create personal art collages.

“Art is healing and connecting, and we want to offer this to individuals with dementia who are facing the challenges associated with memory impairment, along with their caregivers,” says Shannon Erickson, coordinator of learning and engagement at NEHMA.

In addition to the afternoon of therapeutic activity, participants will receive resources provided by the Utah chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as well as information about participating in Alzheimer’s Disease research studies through the ADRC.

Parking for “Museum and Memory” event will be available at the Gateway Terrace, which is located next to the NEHMA building on the USU campus in Logan. Attendees can receive parking validation at the museum’s front desk. Staff and volunteers will be on hand in the parking area and inside the museum to assist patrons.

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center housed at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, was established and funded in 2022 by the Utah State Legislature. The center is committed to supporting the rapidly growing number of adults in Utah who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, as well as those who care for them. Its mission is to build a collaborative research infrastructure where individuals can be involved and informed on the latest dementia research, learn about best practices in dementia care, and find resources for emotional and practical support.