SPARK!

Select Dates*

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Free

Advance Registration Required (Space is Limited)

SPARK! Memory Program: Thursday, August 20 from 11 - 12:30 PM

Rochester Art Center invites you and your partner with memory loss to join us for a unique and engaging activity featuring "Food as Medicine” education led by Meiping Liu.

As a senior health advocate, Meiping has seen how the conditions of cognitive decline and dementia affect not only individuals, but entire families. While these challenges can feel overwhelming, there is also reason for hope.

According to the CDC, many risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia are modifiable, including common chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as factors related to emotional health, physical activity, and social engagement. Through lifestyle medicine interventions and healthy daily habits, we can take proactive steps to support brain health and potentially delay the progression of cognitive decline.

Meiping’s presentation will be followed by a brief and focused tour of Rochester Art Center.

About Spark!

SPARK! at Rochester Art Center is a welcoming, art-centered program designed for people experiencing early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. Through guided gallery experiences and creative activities, participants enjoy meaningful social connection, engaging conversation, and uplifting moments of discovery that support well-being and self-expression.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. Participants living with memory loss must attend with a caregiver, and care partners are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of the program. We strive to create an environment that is comfortable, safe, and responsive to participants’ physical and sensory needs.

Presented in partnership with the SPARK! Alliance, a collaborative network of cultural organizations across Wisconsin and Minnesota, this program celebrates the abilities, perspectives, and joy that remain vibrant in people living with memory loss. Together, we focus on enriching experiences rather than limitations, creating space for connection, creativity, and community.

*2026 Program Dates

Monthly on select Thursdays at 11:00 AM

March 12 · April 2 · May 14 · July 9 · August 20 ·

September 10 · October 15 · November 12 · December 17

Questions? Contact us: info@rochesterartcenter.org or 507-722-2552

Thank you to Olmsted Medical Center for supporting this project.