Tiffany Ramirez yearned to put her passion and knowledge of the arts towards making a difference in the lives of others – so in 2014, she founded the nonprofit organization Artisan Mind. Her goal was to bring art programs to individuals with memory loss who may be limited in their access to creative and culturally based programs. She was inspired by her grandfather – who had always been a champion of her art and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Artisan Mind’s programs include art in many forms – art observation, painting, collaging, and more – all with the intent to tap into the individual’s creativity and spirituality. Creative curriculums are customized based on individuals interest, conversations with family members, and observations. Ramirez is able to deeply engage and connect with her clients by “starting with the gems of information about the individual and following the threads of deeper meaning.”
Ramirez has found that the connection between spirituality and art relies neither on comprehension or full intellectual understanding. This allows people living with dementia the opportunity to engage with success through their imagination and spiritual inspiration. She offers individuals living with dementia a forum to express and explore their spirituality; something that many are not given the opportunity to do normally.
Caregivers and family members have both been able to experience the many impacts of Artisan Mind’s programs. Those working in residential care facilities have been able to learn new information about their residents through the one-on-one exercises the program offers – making it easier to provide care in the future. Families have been given hope that their loved ones are still there – and so are their memories and values.
Ramirez’s ongoing mission is to expand access to creative and spiritual care. Artisan Mind is currently providing grant funded programs to seniors of limited financial means. Ramirez has seen joy and spirituality blossom in the individuals she works with and seeks to bring this to older adults everywhere.
More information about Artisan Mind and Tiffany Ramirez can be found at: artisanmind.org. Artisan Mind is committed to honoring the dignity of individuals living with physical and cognitive challenges by nurturing their strengths, hope, and joy through creative and spiritually engaging experiences.
