The latest artwork to emerge from Tōtara Club is a striking piece of art that created a fantastic opportunity for creativity, conversation, and sense of achievement.
While the finished piece is beautiful, the process itself was just as meaningful. Facilitated by Hayley, the large-scale artwork measures approximately 1000mm x 1500mm and involved many different stages, over several weeks.
Creating our decoupage tree artwork offered far more than a colourful finished canvas — it became a joyful way for people living with dementia to connect, express themselves, and feel part of something meaningful. The group began by painting the background together, building confidence and sparking conversation before moving on to the tree itself. Using different shades of torn brown paper, they carefully decoupaged the trunk and branches, layering textures to bring the tree to life. Each person then painted a small wooden owl in their own colours and patterns, before gluing their owl onto the branches. This combination of shared creativity and individual expression supports memory, fine‑motor skills, and emotional wellbeing, while also giving each participant a sense of ownership and pride. Most importantly, the collaborative nature of the project helped everyone feel included and valued, reminding us that creativity continues to flourish at every stage of life.
Projects like this remind us that creativity continues to flourish at every stage of life. Through art, participants can connect with others, express themselves, and contribute to something meaningful together. The finished tree now stands as a colourful reflection of the friendships, talents, and shared experiences that make the Totara Club community so special.
The Tōtara Club is a community dementia care service. It provides interactive care during the day for people diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia. Each member has an individualised programme to meet their specific strengths and needs including support for whānau (family) of people with dementia.