Memory Lounge
Memory Lounge is an arts program for people with mild to moderate memory loss and their care partners. Engagement in the arts can improve your quality of life by:
- Improving mood and outlook
- Lessening the effects of depression and/or anxiety
- Offering a comfortable social outing
- Giving you wonderful moments together
- Putting something FUN in your calendar!
Each series will introduce you to professional artists who will lead workshops in visual arts, music, dance, or theatre. Additionally, you will see the current exhibitions at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and engage in discussions about the artworks, ideas, and artists. This is a wonderful self-care opportunity that promises to create new joyful memories!
Workshops take place twice each month from 1–2:30 p.m.
Summer 2023 Series
In this summer series, you’ll explore the magic of surrealism with Linda Storey-London in a two part session on July 7 and July 21. Then get to know your inner comedian through improv with Amy Carpenter and Elizabeth Hutchman on August 4. And finally, you’ll create your own tree of life by finding beauty of branches with Ellen Wegner on August 18.
Ticket cost is $20 per couple per workshop or $60 for all four workshops in the series.
Members receive 10% off standard ticket price.
Aug. 25, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: The Beauty of Branches with Ellen Wagener
Studio inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Create your own tree of life with artist Ellen Wagener.
$20 per couple
Fall 2023 Series
Sept. 1, 1–2:30 p.m. 
Memory Lounge: UofA Music Students
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Join for a group music workshop of sing-and-play-a-longs led by medical students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. Through the use of improvisation and storytelling, we will also create a new take on a classic song and perform it together.
$20 per couple
Sept. 22, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Lara Plecas
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
In this bundle dyeing working shop we will utilize flower petals, leaves, onion skins, turmeric powder, and other plant material to create beautiful one-of-a-kind naturally dyed tea towels that each participant will create and be able to take home to use.
$20 per couple
Oct. 13, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Chance Phillips
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Create a beautiful, unique, and useful greeting card with dried tea bags, images from old books and pressed flowers. The possibilities are endless. You will never look at a tea bag the same way again!
$20 per couple
Oct. 20, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Cynthia Standley
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
The workshop’s objective is to increase focus, confidence, relaxation, creativity, and fine motor skills by drawing structured patterns in a mindful way. Anyone can do this—no artistic experience necessary!
$20 per couple
Nov. 10, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Mary Shindell
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Use pens and colored pencils to create a drawing inspired by your favorite plant or flowers. When placed into an acrylic tube, it becomes a lovely free-standing sculpture!
$20 per couple
Nov. 17, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Keith Johnson
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy an interactive drumming experience with Keith Johnson, a multi-award-winning musician, who will lead you on an exploration of African rhythms utilizing African drums and other African instruments.
$20 per couple
Dec. 1, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Melissa Waddell
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
In this workshop, you will use colorful textured papers to create a bright nature, inspired landscape.
$20 per couple
Dec. 15, 1–2:30 p.m.
Memory Lounge: Kyllan Maney
Center Space gallery, located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
What is a Shrinky-Dink? It is a drawing on a piece of plastic that shrinks to a fraction of its size in the oven and resembles stained glass. In this workshop, you will create a unique ornament suitable for gift-giving (although you might want to keep it yourself!)
$20 per couple
Signature Partner
