Date/Time
Date(s) - October 10, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Categories
Nature can be a space of connection, peace, and inspiration. It has been proven that time in nature brings pleasure, relaxation, and community to those who are experiencing memory loss and other forms of dementia. Join local artist and poet, Susan Slocum Dyer, as she facilitates a new art and nature-based program, Aging with Wonder, created for elders living with dementia and their chosen companion.
Pairs will participate in a gentle, guided nature walk along the paved pathway around the Visitor Center building. This time together will give everyone a chance to closely observe and engage with the plants they find along the way. Following the walk, time will be spent indoors creating a multi-layered collage art project inspired by their new nature discoveries.
Each session is intentionally limited to five pairs, creating a small, comfortable community where everyone has space to participate at their own pace. Registration will include a few questions about participants’ needs and comfort levels, including mobility considerations and experience with different art materials, so we can help make the program as welcoming and supportive as possible.
We hope you will join us for a dementia-friendly, community-building opportunity surrounded by trees and an appreciation for creativity.
- Space is limited to 5 pairs; please register online
- Registration closes Friday, October 9th at 4:00pm
- Class details will be emailed closer to the program date
- This program has packages of 2 tickets (one elder and their companion)
About the Instructor: Susan Slocum Dyer is a nationally published watercolor painter. For the past several years, while working as an elementary teacher, she carried both her pen and paintbrush across the Alaska coastal tundra and throughout its boreal forest. She very recently relocated to Portland, OR. You can learn more by visiting her blog.
Hoyt Arboretum Friends Education Policies:
Read our adult education policies HERE.
If you qualify for an Oregon income assistance program, please email [email protected] for details about further discounted program rates.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Hoyt Arboretum Friends member for discounted program rates, please click HERE.