Visual Arts Program: The Wisdom Wall
- Taylor Kurta
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Duration: 30 – 40 minutes
Goals:
Encourage creative self-expression and reflection through visual art
Foster connection through sharing advice, mottos, or guiding phrases
Description: In this program, participants create decorated “wisdom bricks” that share meaningful words, sayings, or life lessons they’ve learned over time. Each brick will feature a short piece of advice. When combined, the bricks form a vibrant display titled “The Wisdom Wall” - a wall of wisdom that celebrates collective insight and life experience. This program combines gentle reflection with artistic play and results in a purposeful, display-worthy piece that can inspire residents, staff, and visitors alike.
Materials:
Blank cardstock or sturdy paper (template provided in the PDF)
Coloured pencils, markers, or gel pens
Optional collage materials (stickers, magazine words, glue sticks, scissors)
Table coverings for easy cleanup
Painters tape or gluesticks to display finished cards on a wall or board
Whiteboard (optional) for brainstorming ideas
Instructions and script (also provided below)
Optional Add-On: You can repeat this activity quarterly, rotating themes like “Advice for a Good Day,” “Words of Courage,” or “Simple Joys.” The display can evolve throughout the year as new voices are added.
Flow:
Welcome (1 - 2 mins)
Discussion & Brainstorming (5–7 mins)
Designing & Decorating (15 –20 mins)
Sharing & Display (5 –10 mins)
Room Set-Up:
Tables arranged with even spacing and art supplies at each seat
Large wall space or board for displaying finished "Wall of Wisdom"
Gentle background music (optional)
Example templates laid out for inspiration
Adaptations and Facilitator Tips:
Display the finished piece in a well-traveled area (e.g., entrance, dining hall) to spark conversation.
For participants who need extra support, provide them with options of phrases that they can use (included under step 1 in instructions)
Support non-verbal participants to create and decorate a brick in a way that feels meaningful to them, and add it to the display.
Instructions and Script
Facilitator Opening (2–3 mins)
“Welcome, everyone! Today we’re creating something very special called a The Wisdom Wall.
Every one of us carries wisdom - little lessons, sayings, or pieces of advice that have helped us through life. Sometimes they come from a family member, a friend, or a meaningful experience.
Today, you’ll each create an advice card or a "brick" that shares one of those words of wisdom. It could be serious or funny, simple or poetic. At the end, when we put all of our cards together, we’ll create a wall of wisdom to inspire everyone who walks by.”
Step 1 — Inspiration & Brainstorming (5–7 mins)
“Let’s start by thinking of a few phrases or pieces of advice that have stuck with you over the years.”
Facilitator Prompts:
“What words do you try to live by?”
“What advice would you give to your younger self or someone younger than you?”
“What helps you stay positive or hopeful on hard days?”
Facilitator Tips:
Say each question one at a time (each question acts like it's own "mini discussion").
Write answers on a whiteboard to spark creativity and deeper reflection.
You can share some examples (listed below) if the group needs support getting started.
Example ideas to share aloud:
“Take one day at a time.”
“Kindness costs nothing.”
“Never stop learning.”
“Laugh often.”
“Be yourself.”
Step 2 — Designing & Decorating (15 - 20 mins)
“Now, choose one piece of advice or positive message and write it in the centre of your card. Then decorate around it using colours, patterns, or symbols that match the feeling of your words.
If your advice is peaceful, maybe use soft blues or gentle lines. If it’s cheerful or funny, try bright colours and bold shapes.”
Facilitator Tips:
Walk around the room and support any participants who may need assistance in writing their message on the brick.
Offer participants a choice of different sayings if they are unsure what to write (you can also include these answers on the whiteboard for them to see).
Step 3 — Sharing & Display (5 –10 mins)
Invite participants to hold up or read their cards aloud. Celebrate each one with applause or a positive comment.
Facilitator Prompts:
“What inspired you to choose that message?”
“What do you hope someone might feel when they read your brick?”
Then, attach the finished bricks to a large board or wall labeled “The Wisdom Wall.” If you’re leading the activity in a different room from where you plan to display the art, you can assemble the bricks on a table and attach them to the wall later.
“As we place these bricks together, notice how each one adds something unique - funny, wise, hopeful, or kind. Together, they show the collective wisdom in this room. What piece of advice is standing out to you?”
Closing Words: “Thank you all for sharing your creativity and wisdom today! The Wisdom Wall will remind everyone who sees it of the lessons, humour, and heart that make our community so special."
