Nicole Root
I am the founder and facilitator/trainer of TrayScapes™--a creative, sensory-based hands-on experience designed for adults in long-term care communities and adult day centers. My work focuses on fostering engaging and inclusive moments of creative exploration that support well-being for people of all abilities.
I designed TrayScapes™ with the belief that everyone deserves access to meaningful, hands-on experiences that promote connection, presence, and joy--regardless of physical or cognitive challenges. Each TrayScapes session offers participants a themed collection of unconventional, sensory-rich materials they can explore freely to create their own designs. These moments aren't about the final product but rather about being fully engaged in the present moment.
My journey as a facilitator has evolved into training others--particularly activity directors, care professionals, and therapists--who want to offer meaningful creative experiences. I've witnessed how even small shifts in approach can unlock big moments of expression, especially for those with limited abilities.
I'm excited to be part of the NeuroArts Resource Center because it brings together people who value the connection between art, the brain, and well being. I'm eager to learn from others working across different disciplines and to contribute insights from my own hands-on approach. I hope to build new collaborations, exchange ideas, and help expand how we thing about art-making in aging and care settings.
Interests
My core interest is in redefining creative engagement for older adults, especially those with dementia or developmental disabilities. I'm passionate about the power of open-ended experiences--those without instructions or expectations--that allow for true creative freedom. In my work, I've seen how removing the pressure to perform or produce something "right" opens the door to authentic expression, especially for individuals with varying abilities.
One of the most meaningful elements of TrayScapes is its temporary nature. Nothing is glued down or made permanent. Participants create in the moment and then materials are cleared away. This approach offers a sense of freedom and release, both practically and philosophically. It speaks to the idea of impermanence--the ability to embrace what exists now, without the need to hold on. In care setting, where change and loss are often present, this can be a profound and gentle practice.
I am also passionate about curating collections of eclectic and aesthetically pleasing materials-- objects that spark curiosity and invite sensory engagement. The act of choosing and presenting these items is an art in itself, one that encourages participants to see ordinary objects in extraordinary ways.
At the heart of it all is a deep commitment to empowerment--both for the individuals who participate in TrayScapes and for those who facilitate the experiences. I believe that when people are given the tools and permission to explore without fear of judgment, something transformative happens. Facilitators, too, often rediscover their own creativity and confidence through this process.
I love to offer experiences that foster presence, connection, and meaning--through art, touch, and the freedom to simply create.
