Visual Arts: New Years Vision Board

Duration: 30 - 40 minutes

Best For: Residents who enjoy creative, choice-based, and reflective activities—adaptable for all, but especially suited for those who engage comfortably with higher-level activities.

Goals: To foster creative expression, identity, and choice through tactile collage-making.

Description: "New Years Vision Board" is a creative collage workshop designed to ring in the New Year. Instead of making demanding resolutions, participants are invited to create a visual collection of things they hope to invite into their lives for the year ahead—such as peace, family, nature, and joy. At the end, participants can choose to display their work or take it with them as a personal reminder of their hopes for the year ahead.

Materials:

• Heavy cardstock or poster board (can you construction or computer paper if you do not have cardstock).

• Images and Words: A "buffet" of pre-cut magazine clippings (scenery, happy faces, comfort food, flowers, animals, positive words). Images and words also provided in a PDF (print off multiple pages so every participant has words and photos to choose from).

• Adhesives: Glue sticks and tape.

• Instructions and script (also provided below).

Flow:

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 mins)

2. Collaging (20 - 30 mins)

3. Optional Sharing and Closing Words (5 - 10 mins)

Room Setup:

• Place all collage materials—images, words, glue sticks, tape—in the center of each table or create a “materials buffet” on a side table where staff can assist with selection.

• Provide good lighting to help with visual clarity, especially when choosing small images or text.

• Include a few completed examples or starter boards to inspire residents who may need extra guidance (an example is provided in the PDF).

• If possible, play soft background music to create a calm, reflective atmosphere (instrumental or gentle seasonal music works well).

• Have a designated display area (bulletin board, easel, or tabletop) for those who choose to share or show their vision boards at the end.

Adaptations and Facilitator Tips:

• Provide hand-over-hand assistance when appropriate, especially for gluing or arranging small images.

• If a resident seems overwhelmed by too many options, gently narrow choices (“Would you like something colourful or something peaceful?”).

• Normalize all forms of participation—some may dive into creating, while others may prefer looking at images or talking about what matters to them.

• Keep an eye on pacing. Some residents finish quickly—offer extra images or a second small board—while others may need extra time and reassurance.

Instructions and Script

Welcome and Warm-Up (5 mins)

"Welcome everyone to the Creative Care Club! As we start this brand New Year, we are going to do something special to welcome it in. Today’s program is called New Years Vision Board. We aren't making lists of chores or difficult resolutions. Instead, we are using art to picture the good feelings we want to have this year. We are going to make collages full of the things that bring us joy—like nature, family, or just a feeling of peace."

Reflective Prompt: “When you think about this New Year, what is one good thing you are hoping for?

Collaging (20 - 30 mins)

Step 1: "The Treasure Hunt" (about 5 - 10 mins)

"In front of you, there is a pile of pictures and words. I invite you to look through them like a treasure hunt. Don't overthink it! If a color catches your eye, or a picture makes you feel happy, pull it out. These are your visions for the New Year."

Facilitator Tip: As participants are starting to look through pictures and words, you can encourage deeper reflection by saying the following -

"Take your time looking at the pictures. Notice the colors—maybe something warm like yellow or orange, or something calm like blue or green. You might find a picture that reminds you of a sound, a smell, or a place you enjoy. As you scan the words, notice which ones feel comforting, hopeful, or exciting. Anything that makes you pause—set it aside as part of your vision.”

Step 2: Creating the Board (20 - 25 mins)

"Now, arrange your chosen pictures or words onto your board. I usually like to place them all down first to see what it will look like. You can fill the whole space, or keep it simple. Once you like how it looks, use your glue stick to paste them down."

Facilitator Tip: Circulate throughout the group, offering gentle support to anyone who may need help with arranging, holding, or gluing. Some residents may benefit from hand-under-hand guidance, pre-arranged layout suggestions, or having their images lightly placed for them to approve before gluing. Encourage choice by asking, “Would you like this here or somewhere else?”

Optional Sharing & Closing (5 - 10 mins)

"All of these boards look beautiful! Now that we have finished our creations, let's take a moment to admire them. Would anyone like to hold theirs up and show us what they created today?"

Facilitator Tip: Invite sharing gently and without pressure. Some residents may prefer to describe just one image or word instead of the whole board. Offer simple prompts like, “What’s one picture that makes you feel good?” or “Which part of your board do you like the most?” Celebrate each response with warm affirmation.

Closing Words: “Thank you all for sharing your creativity and your wisdom today! Feel free to take your board with you or leave it here and I will hang it up for others to see. As we look around the room at the art we made, notice how each one adds something unique and special. I hope these boards continue to inspire you throughout 2026!"