When Don first tapped out the rhythm of his name on a drum, it was a breakthrough moment. Smiles spread across the circle as he played with confidence and joy.

“It was a really incredible moment and very validating,” says Mark Rosen, director of therapeutic programming at Open Circle.

Moments like that were made possible in 2024 through a $34,000 Arts Experiences grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB). Now, with renewed funding in 2026, Open Circle is building on that momentum, continuing to bring professional artists into its communities and expanding what’s possible for members living with dementia.

Expanding What Expression Looks Like

Creative expression does not disappear with cognitive change. In many cases, it simply takes new forms.

“Our members are at a point now where traditional forms of expression are becoming more difficult,” Mark says. “Finding that they can express their emotions and their thoughts and what’s important to them through the arts is an invaluable exercise.”

The MSAB grant again allows Open Circle to partner with COMPAS (Community Programs in the Arts and Sciences), connecting members with professional artists specializing in everything from clay and jewelry making to music and storytelling.

“These are opportunities for personal reflection and introspection, for personal growth and continued learning,” Mark says. “We are impacting our members physically and spiritually and emotionally through the medium of creative arts.”

The Power of Professional Artists

For staff like Stephanie Skoglund Vievering, lead program coordinator at Open Circle of Hopkins, bringing in professional artists adds something truly special.

“They are a good reminder that this community is worthy of professional artists to come in and share their talents with our members,” Stephanie says.

That sense of respect and recognition matters deeply.

“While they’re on this brain-changing journey, they have value,” she says. “They are connected to the wider community; they are being taken seriously.”

The impact shows up quickly. Members who may be quieter or hesitant often open up in these sessions, and their engagement carries forward into the rest of the day.

“There’s excitement in the air, huge smiles and a lot of laughter,” Stephanie says. “They carry that through the rest of the day, if not multiple days after.”

Stories That Stay with Us

Some of the most powerful outcomes are the personal moments members and families carry with them.

One member created a simple wire pendant during a jewelry session. She now wears it every day.

“She’s a very quiet person, but the necklace is a conversation starter,” Stephanie says. “She very proudly says that she was able to make it here.”

In another instance, a member eagerly waited weeks for a clay project to be fired and returned.

“Every time he would come in, he would ask, ‘Is it here?’” Stephanie says.

When the piece finally arrived, he unwrapped it and showed it to his wife.

“It was such a sweet moment between the two of them.”

Even after loss, the impact endures. One member passed away before seeing his finished clay project. Staff ensured it was delivered to his wife, where it became part of his celebration of life.

“It was really very meaningful for the family and friends to see that even though this journey has taken away so much, he still was able to create something awesome and be part of community,” Stephanie says.

Joy in Learning Something New

For members like Juliann, the experience is both joyful and empowering.

“Oh, just their sharing their expertise,” Juliann says. “I haven’t done clay since I was in middle school.”

The classes offer a second chance to explore creativity without pressure.

“I thought, ‘This is my chance to shine,’” Juliann says, laughing. “It was fun getting directions and watching how other people did it and going, ‘I can do that.’”

Just as meaningful is the individuality that shines through.

“They were all different, even though we were supposed to make the same thing,” Juliann says. “That made me laugh.”

For Juliann, the benefits extend beyond the classroom. She often shares her creations with her family.

“I give away my crafts after I keep them for a while to my kids,” she says. “They just love sharing that with me.”

Carrying the Impact Forward

The grant does more than fund temporary programming. It builds lasting capacity.

Artists often leave behind tools, materials and instruction that allow staff to continue offerings like photography and jewelry making long after residencies end. Music lives on through shared playlists and spontaneous singing.

“We’ve been able to get other people to give it a try and really like it,” Stephanie says.

The excitement also persists. Members remember the experiences and look forward to what comes next.

“They will maintain that through the next days and sometimes weeks,” Stephanie says, “and be so excited to potentially go to another group.”

A Community Supported Effort

The continued support from MSAB and other partners reinforces something essential.

“To know we’re supported by donors and grantors is huge,” Stephanie says. “It’s a good reminder that the wider world isn’t just writing people off. To know we’re supported by donors and grantors is huge.”

For members, that support opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. For staff, it makes meaningful programming possible. For families, it creates moments of connection and pride.

And for participants like Juliann, the message is simple:

“Keep it coming,” she says. “It’s really rewarding for everyone that participates.”