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