Tactile Art in the Spotlight
Client
Belmont Village Senior Living
Project
Belmont Village Hunters Creek
Location
Houston, Texas
About the Project
Our client sought to create something special for their memory care neighborhood—an interactive experience with which residents could actively engage, offering sensory stimulation and a connection to their past. Understanding the profound impact sensory art can have on individuals with memory impairments, ARCH proposed a series of meaningful designs that reflect the unique familiarities of the residents’ surroundings.
Drawing inspiration from Houston’s rich history and diverse geography, these tactile panels were crafted to engage the senses. Each design invites residents to connect with their environment through touch and evokes a sense of nostalgia, helping to rekindle personal memories and build a deepened sense of community.
In these behind-the-scenes moments, our artisan meticulously brings Texas to life. Each step in the creative process showcases the skill and precision required to transform raw materials into meaningful art. These pieces come to life through fire, texture, and craftsmanship, forging a connection between past and present.
Fabrics That Tell a Story
The familiar textures of denim, burlap, and suede call to mind the sights and sounds of life on the ranch—hands in the soil, the scent of hay, and the feeling of a well-worn pair of jeans. These fabrics offer a soothing connection to the tactile memories of a simpler, more grounded life.
Forged Memories
The cool, rounded edges of the horseshoes and sturdy cast iron stars bring back memories of summer afternoons, horseshoe pitching competitions, and the echo of laughter among friends and family. These familiar symbols are a comforting reminder of joy-filled gatherings in the open air.
Lone Star Legacy
Residents can trace the charred outline of the Lone Star State, feeling the rugged texture that mirrors Texas’ diverse landscape. The rough, uneven surface brings to mind the state’s iconic terrain—vast plains, rolling hills, and parched ground during droughts—symbolizing the strength and resilience of its people. This tactile journey invites residents to relive moments of pride, family road trips, and a deep connection to Texas’ enduring spirit.
The Result
Each tactile panel is more than just an artistic element—it is a powerful link to the past, helping residents reconnect with cherished memories and find comfort in familiar textures. Each piece pays homage to Texas’ rustic charm and the activities that unite people, fostering a deeper sense of connection and community.
About Tactile Art
Tactile art, a type of sensory art, is made up of mixed media with varying textures and surfaces, and as its name suggests, is meant to be appreciated through touch. The artwork encourages sensory exploration, which can strengthen cognitive and developmental function in individuals struggling with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Scientific studies show that interacting with tactile art can elicit retrieval of memories or familiar feelings in those struggling with memory disorders. This connection evokes positive emotions, and with it, a sense of peace and calm. Engaging with tactile art can also serve as a means for social engagement and an outlet for residents to interact with the world around them. Tactile stimulation can have numerous benefits for memory care residents, including promoting mental wellness and improving their quality of life.