Make Sense
Swiss Cottage Library
We were delighted to collaborate once more with Arts for Dementia this time contributing to their newly established long-term workshop programme at Swiss Cottage Library.
Beginning in October 2024, Arts for Dementia comissioned Engage Here to kick off their second year-round programme at Swiss Cottage Library. Building on the success of their ongoing workshops at the Tree House in Elephant Park, this new project was set up to give local residents a reliable and inspiring creative space. Knowing how much a regular creative activity can help people living with dementia and those who care for them, the programme’s consistent and stimulating art sessions hoped to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to the participants. This commitment to sustained engagement underscores Arts for Dementia’s and Engage Here’s mission to embed creative expression within the fabric of community life, ensuring that the therapeutic benefits of art are readily accessible.
The ten-week series held within the library focused on print-making, guided our lead facilitator Melissa and guest facilitator Lucy Grainge. Together, they led participants through a vibrant exploration of bold colours and diverse themes, introducing a rich tapestry of print-making techniques. The initial workshops in October saw Lucy Grainge lead engaging sessions on nature monoprinting and stencilling, encouraging participants to connect with the natural world and experiment with form and shape. Melissa’s return from Japan brought a unique dimension to the programme, introducing participants to the expressive art of Japanese calligraphy inspired by Toko Shinoda, followed by the fascinating fish printing technique of Gyotaku.
“
It’s been amazing. I’m just sad that it’s all finished" Participant
November continued the exploration of diverse print-making methods. Inspired by the brush making traditions of Nara and the experiences of Melissa with Chiyomi Tanaka, participants creatively crafted their own brushes from natural materials, fostering a direct connection between nature and artistic expression. This hands-on approach was followed by a paper-marbling workshop, drawing inspiration from Olga Hirsch’s renowned anthology of decorative papers, allowing for the creation of intricate and unique patterns. The programme then returned to Japanese techniques with workshops on Orizomegami, the art of folded paper dyeing, and Takuhon, a form of rubbing or frottage.
The final weeks of the workshop series in December brought a focus on combining techniques and preparing for the festive season. Participants explored Katazome, a Japanese paper resist technique, utilising stencils and tape to create layered and patterned designs. The culmination of the programme was a workshop dedicated to Furoshiki, the Japanese art of fabric wrapping, providing a practical and artistic way to create beautiful and sustainable wrapping papers for Christmas. This diverse range of techniques not only provided artistic stimulation but also fostered fine motor skills and creative problem-solving.
The dynamism of the artwork clearly reflects the participants’ enjoyment of these workshops. The presence of both individuals living with dementia and their dedicated carers underscores how the programme fostered a supportive and engaging environment for all. These workshops, held within a library setting, beautifully illustrate how well-designed arts programmes can significantly enrich the lives of community members and adapt public spaces to effectively meet the public’s needs, offering moments of joy, creativity, and genuine connection.
