How Highview Hill's Memory Wall Became More Than an Art Project

Nestled in the heart of Lakeville, Minnesota, the Prairie Suites memory care neighborhood at Highview Hills is a special, tight-knit community.

One of the most beloved parts of this community—by residents, families, and team members alike—is a stunning wall of black-and-white portraits near the entrance.

This wall, which features photos of memory care residents, started as a craft project to show memory loss in an art form. Inspired by an art program at her children’s school years ago, Life Enrichment Assistant Mary Kay Woehrle wanted residents to continue to learn and contribute to an engaging activity. So, she developed a plan for making art in memory loss programs by creating an “artist of the month” project for residents in Prairie Suites. After discussing the artist’s life and work, residents create art modeled after their style. “I quickly learned this was something people of all ages enjoyed,” said Mary Kay.

Mary Kay based this specific project on the work of Dorothy Lang, a photographer known for her work during the Great Depression. Photographing each resident, Mary Kay asked them to put a hand on their face. “The results were stunning,” she said. “Each photo clearly conveys unique personalities and lives. Hands are meaningful because they show what each individual has done.” After Mary Kay printed the photos, the life enrichment team helped residents paint wooden blocks and attach their portraits.

Float Executive Director Candace McCarty wanted to display the artwork, so she developed the idea for the wall in the memory care neighborhood. “This felt like a meaningful and creative way to create a ‘resident directory’ and bring a sense of home when entering Prairie Suites,” she explained.

When they stroll through the halls or gather in the entryway before an outing, residents recognize their photographs. Residents, who are often seeking meaning, see themselves among other community members, reaffirming their sense of identity. And, Mark Kay noted, the resident’s families treasure the display of art.

“This particular black-and-white art display has always moved me,” said Candace. “It shows deep and genuine emotion. In a world that believes those with dementia can’t communicate, I think this display proves otherwise."