Make Sense
Kentish Town Health Centre

paper marbling

The Make Sense program offered a series of 16 art workshops designed for people living with dementia or cognitive impairment at Kentish Town Health Centre, with the option for companions to participate as well. Each workshop focused on a different artistic process, aiming to engage the senses while fostering creativity and connection.

person making paper
Making paper from recycled materials

The program emphasised process over output, encouraging participants to explore various techniques and materials without the pressure of creating a finished artwork. This approach promoted accessibility and empowered individuals to continue their creative exploration beyond the workshops.

Clay hag stones
Clay versions of hag stones

A variety of engaging activities were offered, including collage, cyanotype printing, clay sculpture, paper manipulation, Brusho watercolor painting, paper marbling, foam block printing, frottage, and papermaking. Each workshop provided a unique sensory experience and opportunities for reminiscence, discussion, and self-expression.

Photos of flowers and architecture
Raj’s photographs from around the health centre

Participants explored the textures and sounds of tearing paper for collage, experimented with light-sensitive chemicals to create cyanotype prints, and molded clay to form hag stones and abstract reliefs. They discovered the versatility of paper by folding, crumpling, and layering it, and they created vibrant washes and textures with Brusho watercolor paint.

Felted soap
Felted soap made by three participants

The workshops also incorporated techniques from other cultures, such as Japanese paper marbling (Suminagashi), foam block printing inspired by textile patterns, frottage inspired by Surrealist Max Ernst, and papermaking using a deckle. Participants also explored photography, textile creation, Sumi ink painting, Orizomegami paper dyeing, Katazome resist-dyeing, and expressive calligraphy inspired by Toko Shinoda.

Leaf rubbings
Frotage in hand-made sketchbooks

The programme concluded with a felted soap workshop, where participants covered bars of soap with wool fiber, creating a colorful and functional washcloth while engaging their sense of touch. Throughout the Make Sense program, participants enjoyed a diverse range of creative experiences that stimulated their senses, fostered social interaction, and encouraged self-discovery.

collage
Anya’s collage

The success of the program,e highlights the power of art to engage and enrich the lives of people living with dementia. By focusing on process, sensory exploration, and accessible techniques, Make Sense provided a supportive and stimulating environment for participants to connect with their creativity and each other.

Brusho
Agitating Brusho crystals

In 2025, we're developing our partnership with Kentish Town Health Centre to be part of a more sustained programme of afternoon creative workshops specifically designed for people with learning difficulties. This new phase is initially being supported by funding from James Wigg GP Practice, who are also directly referring participants to our workshops.

Camden Giving Logo

This project has been made possible by Camden Giving.

person making paper