Make Art (and Memories) with Your Loved Ones with Dementia

Roselyn Halvorson is a sophomore in high school. After losing her grandfather to Alzheimer’s, she began sharing art and teaching painting classes in memory care and assisted living centers in Washington state. She is also an active advocate and volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in her area.

Vincent van Gogh once said, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” If I have learned anything through my experiences with dementia caregiving, it is that art and creativity heals us, empowers us, and strengthens memories. 

My grandfather, Frank Anderson, was creative. He was a photographer, musician and artist. He saw beauty in everything. Music and art brightened his days. He would sing songs with me and tell me stories. I was very young when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, but he seemed to know who I was, and smiled and focused on me until the end. Singing, music and art were a bridge to his memories.

After he died in 2016, it became my mission to end this disease. With my mom’s help, I sold lemonade and found other creative ways to raise money for the cause. When I was still in elementary school, I told my story to legislators at the Washington State Capitol. 

Now that I am in high school, I continue to advocate for families and caregivers. But my favorite way to honor my grandfather’s memory is to share my art talents and creativity with those who have Alzheimer’s.

For the past five years, I have used my artistic talents to engage with those in the memory care community with a program I started called Roselyn’s Caring Canvases. In 2020, I was sad that I couldn’t visit my friends at my local memory care. I created paintings to drop off for them to enjoy, and for them to know I was thinking about them. I continued painting, and was able to deliver almost 1,750 small paintings all over my state. 

As soon as I could visit them, I started teaching painting classes at memory care and assisted living centers in my area. I know firsthand that art and social connections can slow memory loss and engage senior citizens. Even the quietest person smiles when I praise their artwork. My older friends really enjoy painting with my high school friends and me. We share stories and laugh together. Some of the residents love to tell wild stories about their high school days, or smile and listen while we tell them about our activities. Connecting with them is so special for me, because my Pappaw was my last grandparent. My favorite days always include painting with my older friends and friends from school. To date, I have been able to teach and facilitate over 80 classes in my area so far.

My motto is “kindness is beautiful.” If I could offer one piece of advice, it is to help your loved one with dementia to find a creative outlet. A five-by-seven canvas is the perfect size and doesn’t seem too intimidating. Sketch a flower for them to fill in with paint, or get some watercolors and sponges and Q-tips. Dip the brush in paint, and place it in their hand. 

Then encourage and cheer them on to something truly beautiful! You’ll be amazed — and make so many memories for both of you!