This kind of creative exploration is the point of "Memories in the Making," a program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association to help patients' retrieve memories. And it works. It's helped one woman remember the high-buttoned shoes from her childhood and another paint the same flower as the one she carried on her 30th wedding anniversary.

Ten sites in the county host the program, including Sunnyside Gardens, which began its version about six months ago. The short time frame hasn't held Sunnyside residents back--Chuck Bookout, 83, recently had two of his watercolors auctioned off to benefit the Alzheimer's Association, bringing in more than $1,100.

"Annie's really cranking out those flowers," Bookout says, eyeing the work of his peers as he replicates the branches and leaves of a pastoral scene. Every Monday morning at 10:30, about four regulars and the occasional newcomer gather to paint for an hour under the watchful eye of workers and volunteers, who are trained to deal with the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients.

"This program is designed for people who may no longer be able to communicate verbally," says Toni Morely, who coordinates "Memories in the Making" for the Alzheimer's Association in Santa Clara County. "Watercolor is a fluid medium, and the more fluid the medium, the more memories are accessed. It takes what's unconscious and puts it out there."

This form of therapy is done in a dignified, specially designed environment. There are typically no more than six patients painting at a time. Paper is attached to the table with blue tape to focus the artist's attention, and volunteers are encouraged to generously dole out reassuring touches.

But most importantly, the only ones who can paint are the patients. Their work is meant to reflect their thoughts, and while it takes some work to free the artists of their creative inhibitions, the program's generally been a success.

At a recent Sunnyside session, Bookout was joined by three regular painters and one newbie, who needed a bit of prompting to work on her floral piece. She eventually came around. "I think I'm going to think about what I'm going to paint next time," she says.

"Memories in the Making" has resulted in numerous patients making unexpected breakthroughs. One man who had not spoken for two years was finally coaxed to pick up a paintbrush after observing several "Memories in the Making" sessions. He chose to copy the image of a fish, and when his wife saw his painting, she burst into tears--the man had been fascinated with tropical fish all his life. "We've seen hundreds of magical moments like that," Morely says.

Jann Acevedo, who administers "Memories in the Making" at Sunnyside, has dealt with the ups and downs of her own pupils, but has also seen flickers of light. Bookout began recalling memories of his father's farm after completing a similarly themed painting. These kinds of conversations are what Acevedo and her several volunteers encourage with questions and gentle jokes. "Even if it just reaches one person, it's worth it," she says.

For Sunnyside, Bookout seems to be the shining star. A former electrical engineer, Bookout had previously worked with acrylic paints and has found that the watercolors require a bit more patience. "You only get one shot," he says. "You can't make a boo-boo."

But his carefully rendered washes and details caught the attention of the Alzheimer's Association--two of his paintings were chosen to be part of a larger field of "Memories in the Making" works auctioned off at a reception on May 14 in Belmont. One work sold for $800; the other for $300.

Bookout's son even escorted his father to the event, and when he arrived at Sunnyside for the pickup, he asked for "Chuck Van Gogh."

The proceeds from the auction will go back to the Alzheimer's Association to help fund other programs like "Memories in the Making." Morely hopes to expand to five more locations in the near future, beyond the 10 already in place in Santa Clara County. "Most of our programs are more for the family and community," she says. "This is one of the few programs that affects the person."

For more information on "Memories in the Making," email Morely at toni.morely@alznorcal.org or visit http://www.alznorcal.org.